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Southern Classic ‘Steel Magnolias’ Coming to Columbia State’s Ledbetter Auditorium

Issue #735

May 25, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☁️ Columbia’s Tuesday Weather - Overcast w/ high of 81, low of 69

🎭 Southern Classic ‘Steel Magnolias’ Coming to Columbia State’s Ledbetter Auditorium

👉 Sunday: The Athenaeum’s Annual Free Day in May

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Southern Classic ‘Steel Magnolias’ Coming to Columbia State’s Ledbetter Auditorium

The 2025-26 season for Watershed Public Theatre (WPT) will wrap up with a beloved Southern classic dramedy, Steel Magnolias, which opens May 29 and runs through June 7, 2026.

Each play in Watershed Public Theatre's 25-26 season has represented the common theme of strong women, and Steel Magnolias has them in spades. The conversations that abound in the beauty salon move the plot through every emotion imaginable. The play shows time passing in 1980s Chinquapin, Louisiana through a series of moments; some are light, even mundane, while others carry quiet weight. In the two-year timeline, just about every one of life's milestones gets touched by somebody in this tight community.

Audience members may have fond memories of the 1989 film which was written by Robert Harling. The screenplay for Steel Magnolias came from the writer's original stage play, which came from a short story, which served as a way for Harling to process the death of his sister. 

According to production director Sarah Tatom, "These women are not defined by tragedy, but by their ability to endure it — and to do so together." To her, the characters represent strength and softness, resilience wrapped in grace.

Salon owner Truvy is played by Sarah Fye. "These women continue to show up to the space that is held for them, the beauty shop," Sarah says. "It seems like a place where women go to pull themselves together, but in this play, we see how they actually fall apart. Truvy’s beauty shop is a place where there are no secrets. She also strives to make it a place where there is no judgement."

The cast for Steel Magnolias features Kay Ayers (M’Lynn) and Deb Meeks (Ouiser), both of whom have appeared in many past WPT productions. Appearing for the first time on the WPT stage are Colby Block (Clairee), Sarah Fye (Truvy), Kelsey Keny (Shelby) and Annie Zander (Annelle).

Continuing the theme of supporting women, WPT is hosting a donation drive for Paula’s Purse, a GFWC of Maury County program that provides purses and feminine hygiene supplies to middle school girls. Those who bring purse-size hand sanitizer, lotion and/or deodorant to donate for Paula’s Purse will receive a $5 discount on tickets purchased at the door. 

Performances of Steel Magnolias span across two weekends in Columbia, TN at Columbia State Community College's Ledbetter Auditorium, 1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia. The Ledbetter is a space where the spoken word resonates with great warmth and crispness, and the expressions of the actors look profound in the spotlight. Showtimes are at 7pm Friday May 29, Saturday May 30, Friday June 5, and Saturday June 6; 3pm matinee shows will take place on Sunday May 31 and Sunday June 7. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

Sunday: The Athenaeum’s Annual Free Day in May

Our Annual Free Day in May Event is back! Spend a leisurely Sunday afternoon at the beautiful Athenaeum Rectory, Columbia's Hidden Gem!

Come take a free tour inside the Rectory, hear the story of how the Rectory came to be and how it was a vital part of the education of many young ladies in the mid 1800s.

Stroll the beautiful gardens and have some light refreshment provided to enhance your experience.

We hope to see you on May 31st at 2:00 PM. Light refreshments served. 
808 Athenaeum St, Columbia

Bring a friend and ask a Board member how you can join the APTA and get involved.

Click for more info

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Tuesday, May 26th

Wednesday, May 27th

Thursday, May 28th

Friday, May 29th 

Saturday, May 30th

Sunday, May 31st

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, May 26

Songwriters Round - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 6–9 PM

Thursday, May 28

Punk Rock Beer Market - Twisted Copper, 5–10 PM
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s, 6–9 PM
Hannah Caffey - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, May 29

James Gregory - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Peedy Chavis - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Six String Revolver - The Boondox, 8 PM
Brandon Bartley - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, May 30

The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 12–6 PM
Carson-Phillips - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3–7 PM
Mt Pleasant Music on the Porch Series - 206 Pleasant St, 6–9 PM
The Alderson Jazz Collective - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery
Patrick McCormick - Twisted Copper, 7–10 PM
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Herrick Duo - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Scotty Morton Band - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30–10 PM
Copper & Lead - The Boondox, 8 PM
MFT - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Sunday, May 31

Maddie Rose - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1–5 PM
Brett Stocstill - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill - Spring Hill, 2–5 PM

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk