STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Acting Out! will stage “Steel Magnolias” at The Space, 56 Island Island St., Lawrence. The show runs Nov. 2 and 3, and Nov. 9 and 10 at 7 p.m., as well as Nov. 4 and 11 at 5 p.m. All tickets are $12 and available at 978-807-1191.

Directed by veteran David Cook of Methuen, the show features North Andover’s Rosanne Colarusso as Ouiser, Andover’s Barbara Bourgeois as Clairee, Haverhill’s Terra Heimbold as Annelle, Merrimac’s Beth Yuskaitis as M’Lynn, North Andover’s Linda Schoonmaker as Truvy and North Andover’s Mikayla Ott as Shelby.

Based on a 1987 play and 1989 movie of the same name, the story explores the connections between this group of women.

“To me, the essence of this play is about relationships,” Cook said, “about friendship, love, heartbreak and healing and the connection these incredible women share. This is a story for everyone. ... It’s a story for anyone who has a mother, a wife, a sister, a grandmother, a daughter, an aunt or a friend.

“I call this a dramedy,’’ he said. “It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. It will make you think and care, not just about the characters in the play, but about the women in your own life.’’