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In December, a story bloomed in East Metro Atlanta. It was tender. It was fierce. And it sold out. Audiences left buzzing: “I’ve never seen Steel Magnolias like this before,” one attendee shared. “It felt like my aunties and cousins were right there on stage.” Now, Steel Magnolias returns for one powerful encore weekend—August 16–17, 2025—at the CRCA Black Box Theatre. This isn’t just a restaging. It’s the moment a new chapter in Southern Black theatre roars back to life.

Presented by OArtsCo – The Obsidian Arts Collective, this reimagined Steel Magnolias moves the action to a Black beauty salon—a sacred gathering place where humor heals, tears cleanse, and sisterhood reigns. Every hairdryer hum, every side-eye glance, every burst of laughter becomes part of a story that feels like home. SHEEN had a chance to catch up with Award-winning director, producer, Onyx Keesha and Producer/Brand Strategist, Karlotta Washington, of OArtsCo, to discuss their powerful adaptation of this iconic play, one that empowers and educates women as they navigate life’s joys and hardships together.

What inspired you to reimagine Steel Magnolias?

The original story of Steel Magnolias began as a play, then became the movie we all know. When discussing the next stage play we wanted to showcase, we instantly thought of Steel Magnolia’s but with a twist; an all-Black, all-female cast. It’s the same heartwarming story, but told through the lens of the Black woman’s experience.

Why focus on Black women, and what stories are being told?

This stage play touches on so many components around the experience of Black Women, the play touches on motherhood, daughterhood, and sisterhood. In our version, you see the dynamic between Shelby and her mother, M’Lynn: a daughter fighting for independence and a mother determined to protect her. Many women know that push and pull. This story helps audiences understand the love, trust, and sacrifice behind those relationships.

What was the purpose behind keeping the setting in a beauty salon?

For us, the Black beauty salon is the center of the community. The beauty salon is where generations gather, share stories, and pass down wisdom. The original movie was set in a salon, and we kept that location as it is a staple for women; however, we made it true to the Black experience, hot combs, perms, and walls of family photos. Its authenticity and tradition in one space, and we wanted to showcase that in this play.

How will this production support the growth of Black theatre in East Metro Atlanta?

Our theatre is based in Conyers, Georgia, just 30 minutes from Atlanta, and we wanted to create performances within the theatre that reflect our audience’s culture and stories. Many know Steel Magnolias as a movie, but not as a play. And recreating this gives our audience something new, representation, familiarity, and a fresh take on a classic from the black woman experience.
Can you share a pivotal moment in the play that you feel will captivate the audience?
The final scene of the play is incredibly powerful, it’s where we see true healing through community and sisterhood. One of the main characters faces a deep tragedy, and every woman in that beauty shop rallies around her. It’s a reminder that she’s never alone, especially in today’s climate. Another pivotal moment is with Anelle’s journey, with her character being introduced in a bad situation throughout the play, she’s embraced by the women, which mirrors the real-life story of Black women encouraging, guiding, and supporting one another. It’s the heartbeat of the show: community over everything.

What do you hope the audience takes away from this production?

When leaving the theatre, we pray they feel seen and heard, and that they realize there is a place in the arts for them. We want people to walk away feeling embraced by sisterhood, knowing there’s a community of artists and arts that reflects their lives and experiences. The version of Steel Magnolias is an ode to Black Women, symbolizing finding your circle and tribe, a chosen sisterhood you can lean on.
Were there any big challenges or triumphs in recreating Steel Magnolias for the stage?

When in the theatre, there are always challenges: cast changes, set issues, but we try to control what we can. Thankfully, nothing major happened throughout this experience of this stage play. We oversold VIP tickets, which at first was a logistical issue, but it turned out to be a great “problem” because it showed the community’s excitement and support in this story being old.

As producers, how intentional were you in selecting the cast and shaping the characters?

We had about 90 women audition for this play. The entire process was intense; there were actors dressed for their roles and ready to deliver. During this process, we selected women, of course, who possessed the talent, but what also contributed was our watching and observing from the moment they entered the waiting room. We wanted to see their connection with others and their chemistry on stage. Talent mattered, but energy and authenticity mattered even more. God was truly in the process of bringing the right women together.

How do you think this project will inspire the next generation of theatre makers and producers?

Our advice is to just do it, and don’t do it afraid. The best way for the next generation to take charge and inspire them to create is to support original productions and playwrights. Take a known work and bring your spin to it. We also want to emphasize that theatre isn’t just for the young; whether you’re 30, 40, 50, or 60, you can tell your story. Yes, we must inspire the youth, but we also want to encourage anyone ready to pivot into this space to take a leap of faith.

You’ve called this more than a stage play, but a movement. How will Steel Magnolias spark dialogue beyond the stage?

We trust that this story will spark a lot of dialogue. One of the conversations that we are sure will arise is the fear of pregnancy amongst Black Women. In the play, Shelby’s pregnancy is a source of fear in the story, and for Black women today, that fear is real. Whether it’s you, your sister, or your aunt, we know the risks and the statistics around Black maternal health. Our version adds that layer of truth; it’s more than the original story of Shelby having diabetes. In today’s world, it feels like the odds are against us, and that’s why this production is about leaning into community to heal.

What’s next for Steel Magnolias?

We’re in serious talks about taking this play on the road. Black women need this story. Every character is someone they know. In a time where Black Women are expected to be the crutch yet are often pitted against one another, we need reminders of our strength in unity. Our goal is for audiences to leave feeling inspired, seen, and reconnected to the power of community.

Purchase Your Tickets Here: Steel Magnolias — Back By Popular Demand! Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite. Follow @oartscoatl @onyxkeesha @karlottawashington for more information.