SHAMPOO AND SASS: “Steel Magnolias” is on stage at Mercer County Community College’s Kelsey Theatre through October 13.

The play Steel Magnolias explores the relationships between a tight-knit group of Louisiana southern ladies who gather in Truvy’s small-town beauty parlor, celebrating the milestones in each other’s lives. A production of the play is currently at Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College through October 13.

Truvy’s is where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done, including the town’s rich curmudgeon, an eccentric millionaire, and the local social leader. The play is filled with acerbic but humorous verbal collisions, exploring the unconditional strengths of sisterhood, resilience, and love.

Steel Magnolias was written by Robert Harling, based on his experience with his sister’s death. The play opened Off-Broadway in 1987 — closing after 1,126 performances — and made its Broadway debut in 2005. It was also adapted as a 1989 film starring Julia Roberts, who was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Shows are Friday, October 11 at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, October 12 at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, October 13 at 2 p.m. at the Kelsey Theatre on MCCC’s West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 for children and students. Visit kelseytheatre.org.