Want a taste of Chinquapin?

"In a good shoe, I wear a size 6, but a 7 feels so good, I buy a size 8."

That's just one of the lines that helped define Dolly Parton's character Truvy in the 1989 movie "Steel Magnolias."

For six nights in July, Yumans will have the opportunity to see the 5 Point Theatre Company production of the story that shares the lives of six women through laughter, heartache and tears.

The story is a play by Robert Harling written in 1989 and made into a popular movie that same year.

But unlike the movie, the 5 Point production will only have six characters, something director Pat Quinn said really captures the relationship the women share.

"I was looking for something a little different, kind of funny. I wanted something more than just a comedy, and this was one of the shows that came to mind."

Quinn said he's enjoyed watching the cast develop the characters over the past three months of rehearsals.

"I don't want (actors) to see the movie. I want the actor to make this their own."

Quinn said the stage version has "a much more visceral impact."

But even those who've seen the movie will be entertained, he said.

"I guarantee there will not be a dry eye in the house."

The production opens Thursday, Friday and Sunday. The show will also run the following weekend July 16-18. All show times are 7 p.m. at the Historic Yuma Theatre, 254 S. Main St.

Tickets are $8.

The Yuma Art Center will host a fundraiser called "Shelby's Bar-B-Que" Saturday at 5 p.m. before the 7 p.m. showing of the play. Tickets are $18 in advance. For more information, call 373-5202 or 329-6607.

THE CAST

•M'Lynn Eatenton:
Shara Johnston
•Truvy Jones:
Elyse Tera
•Ouiser Boudreaux:
Mary Ellen Finch
•Annelle Dupuy Desoto:
Allyse Rust
•Clairee Belcher:
Sarah Howard
•Shelby Eatenton Latcherie:
Lillian Morrill