From left: Elisa Groendyke (Clairee), Melissa Hawley (Truvy), Kim Connolly (Shelby) and Collette Schweizer (M'Lynn). (Photo provided)

FORT PIERCE — Deanna Fielden is a self-styled women’s activist, so she jumped at the opportunity to direct the all-female cast of Steel Magnolias, which will open Thursday and run through Sept. 19 at the Pineapple Playhouse in Fort Pierce.

“I really believe in women helping women,” said Fielden, the veteran director and actress. “Coincidentally, one of the messages of the play is the powerful impact that bonding and camaraderie among women can have.”

The Robert Harling comedy-drama is set in a Louisiana beauty parlor, and spans three years of the lives, loves, laughs and heartaches of the staff and their customers. It grew out of the playwright’s attempts to cope with the death of his diabetic younger sister by writing about his feelings. What began as a short story evolved into the play.

A film adaptation launched Julia Roberts’ movie career, and starred Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah and Olympia Dukakis.

“The emotional ups and downs make it a tough play to do well,” Fielden said. “Parts of it are very funny, and other parts bring you to tears. Making the transition can be very challenging for the actors.

“My challenge is to ensure that they understand the multidimensional nature of their role and see all facets of the character’s personality. One of my techniques is to require them to get into their part at least five minutes before the show starts. They have really grasped the importance of learning character.”

Fielden said the lighthearted bantering among the six women reflects the significance that Harling placed on humor to handle the kind of difficulties his family faced with his sister’s illness.

“Many of us use humor to get through difficult situations, and a message of the play is that it works. Whenever someone is down, humor brings them back up,” she said.

“It also carries a message of hope. Even though some of the characters are quite wealthy, the play shows that an intangible like friendship can be worth more than money. It’s what builds the support system that provides strength in their times of need and keeps them together.”

IF YOU GO

What: Steel Magnolias

When: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and Sept. 9-11, 16-18; 2 p.m. Sunday and Sept. 12, 19

Where: Pineapple Playhouse, 700 W. Weatherbee Road, Fort Pierce

Tickets: $15; students, $7.50

Contact: (772) 465-0366

Online: pineappleplayhouse.com