CHAT AND CURL—The ladies of Chinquapin, La. catch up on the latest gossip at Truvy’s beauty shop in “Steel Magnolias,” now playing at Camarillo Community Theatre. Back row from left are Lissa Grafton, Joyce Rieske, Juanita Seavey and Melanie Levy. Sitting are Helene Benjamin and Elizabeth Stockton. “Steel Magnolias,” directed by Jeff Wallach and featuring an all-female cast, provides a heady dose of chick lit at the Camarillo Community Theatre.

The “magnolias” are six southern belles living in Chinquapin, La., where everyone knows everyone and nobody moves away. The women find refuge from their menfolk in Truvy’s (Lissa Grafton) beauty shop, a literal no man’s land where they gather for hairdos, gossip and support.

The lifelong friends are M’Lynn (Helene Benjamin) and her strong-willed daughter, Shelby (Liz Stockton), wealthy widow Clairee (Joyce Rieske), and bad-tempered Ouiser (Juanita Seavey), who finds the dark cloud in every silver lining. Into the mix steps newcomer Annelle (Melanie Levy), the mystery woman who comes to the shop looking for a job.

The play opens on Shelby’s wedding day as the bride arrives before the ceremony to have her hair done in a style her mother hates. The story follows the gals through the next three years as they cope with life’s little annoyances as well as its major traumas.

There’s not much of a plot, as the women mostly discuss the minor everyday incidents going on around them. The big action occurs off stage and some story threads disappear unresolved. Yet there’s plenty of grace, wit and affection to draw us into the women’s lives.

The primary conflict running throughout is the stormy relationship between M’Lynn and her daughter. Shelby’s a sickly diabetic who, according to the doctors, should never have a child. Shelby stubbornly ignores their advice, despite M’Lynn’s objections.

In one of the most powerful scenes, Shelby attempts to assert her independence while still yearning for parental approval and M’Lynn insists that mother knows best. It’s a struggle that arises in most families, the time when parents must allow their children the chance to grow up and make their own decisions— and live with the consequences.

The story line meanders into melodrama as Shelby grows ill, and the ending falls into a “circle of life” cliché and feelgood female bonding. In reality, most diabetics can safely handle pregnancy with proper medical care. Shelby also appears mighty perky for someone so sick.

Still, the plot device allows the characters the chance to mine rich emotional ground. Benjamin shines with some powerful acting, as M’Lynn faces the situation with both rage and calm acceptance.

Robert Harling wrote the play in 1987 as an homage to his diabetic sister. He has a fine ear for the way women talk and behave, such as the way they swap recipes and treat a haircut as a life-changing event. The script is bursting with hilarious throwaway quips.

Grafton is the sassy and ever cheerful beautician who sees the inner charm in her pals while working on their outer beauty. Seavey is outrageously funny as the crank who prefers the company of her old mutt to that of most people but always arrives with a food offering. Rieske, as the pillar of the community, handles her role with the dignity it commands.

Annelle is the only character who grows and changes—from a shy, nervous and insecure outsider into a fundamentalist defensive of her faith. At first, Levy is so shrill and hyperactive that her Annelle appears more deranged than timid. In later scenes Levy mellows and grows comfortable in the role. To her credit, she plays “Christian” Annelle as a sensible, loving person, not a fanatic caricature.

Ladies, if you drag your beaus to see the show, be warned that the belles don’t speak too highly of their men. Guys might find the show too weepy, although they could learn something about what women want.

“Magnolias” is a charming slice of hometown life with six lovely ladies who survive and thrive through their sisterly love. The playwright obviously cares deeply for the characters, and the audience will, too.

Running time is two hours, 40 minutes. The show continues through Sept. 20 at 330 Skyway Drive, Camarillo. For tickets, call (805) 388-5716.