In "Steel Magnolias," one line captures the heart of the story: "Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion," says Truvy Jones, the beauty salon owner at the center of the tale. It's a promise the show keeps. When Susquehanna Stage brings the play to life, audiences can expect a ride full of humor, heartache and, above all, love.

"The emotions in this show are very up and down," said director Chris Koslosky. "It's a really funny show. It starts out as a comedy, but then it takes a turn."

"Steel Magnolias" focuses on six very different women who bond during their sessions in Truvy's salon.

Truvy, played by Vicki Schneider, works alongside her eager assistant Annelle, portrayed by Libby Hardesty.

The women welcome in wealthy widow and former first lady of the town Clairee, played by Lisa Lawmaster-Hess; curmudgeon Ouiser, portrayed by Robin Payne; loving mom M'Lynn, played by Becky Groff; and M'Lynn's daughter, Shelby, portrayed by Libby Casey-Stauffer.

Shelby is in the midst of planning her wedding, and the women share wit, wisdom and heart as they chat during their appointments.

The show is set in the 1980s, which presented a bit of a challenge for Koslosky, she said.

"I'm almost an interpreter besides a director," she said with a laugh, noting that she often had to explain time-period-specific references in the script. "There's a lot of nostalgia in this show."

Audiences may be familiar with the show from the Golden Globe-winning movie of the same name, which starred Sally Field, Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts, among others.

"One of the challenges of presenting a show like this is half the audience is going to want to see the movie on stage, and the other half will be expecting a play," Koslosky said.

The play packs a powerful emotional punch, she said, noting, "It's a very well-written play. It's based on a true story, and that makes it all the more poignant."

Assistant director Heather Strunk said audiences can expect to see six strong characters who come together and support each other as the story takes place over many months.

"I think in all of its ups and downs, what I like about the show is it shows real people," she said. "It's six real women who are really strong, feisty women. They don't all start out that way, but as a community of strong women, they build each other up."

Courage and optimism run through the play, with the actors portraying characters audiences will connect with, she said.

"It's a dynamic cast of six really incredible women who are playing the roles of six incredible women who are the epitome of love and friendship and care, all while being absolutely hilarious," Strunk shared. "If you want a good laugh, it's your show. If you want a good cry, it's your show. It runs the gamut, all held together by these six incredible characters."

Ultimately, "Steel Magnolias" is about the power of female friendship.

"In the end, you walk away feeling proud of those women and what they've accomplished and how they have supported and lifted each other up, despite sadness," Strunk said. "They didn't let the sadness define who they are. They're too strong for that."

"Steel Magnolias" will be performed at Susquehanna Stage, 133 W. Market St., Marietta, at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 12, 13, 19 and 20, as well as at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays, Dec. 14 and 21. For more information, visit http://www.susquehannastage.com.