Veteran stage actress Marge Bankert of Butler is reprising her 1991 role of Miss Clairee in the upcoming Butler Little Theatre production of “Steel Magnolias” by Robert Harling.

The play will open March 13 and run through March 21.

Bankert is using her life experience to prepare herself for the show.

“The lines are a little easier the second time around,” she said. “It depicts the very strong feelings that exist between true friends and their families.

“The show portrays the 'let it all hang out' feelings through both happy and sad times and the support friends derive from each other,” Bankert said.

She last appeared as Mother in “Rabbit Hole” two seasons ago.

Katy Closkey Wayne of Center Township dons the role of M'Lynn Eatenton, the town's social butterfly, which calls for a deep dig into the emotional well.

“I haven't played a deeply emotional and complex role in a while. I've had to dust off some old techniques and add a few new ones I've discovered,” Wayne said.

“I'm enjoying working with some actresses I've never worked with before,” she added.

Wayne said she has watched the movie and seen the stage version, but she is bringing her own stuff to the stage for the role.

“Acting is so much more than just saying your lines convincingly. Convincing acting is more interaction than simply acting and this show requires that in spades,” she said.

The role of Annelle, the eager new assistant, will be played by BLT newcomer Lorraine Martin of Butler Township.

She said she enjoys playing roles that she can relate to. “I understand Annelle in many ways. We are shy in new situations and need some encouragement from friends and family to get out of our comfort zones, but once we are comfortable, we really come out of our shells,” she said.

When Martin saw the show called for a cast of all women, she knew she had to give it a try.

“I knew that if I didn't at least try for a show that was an all-female cast, I'd regret it later. I didn't expect to get in, but I'm so glad I did,” she said.

Martin said she thinks the most challenging part of this role will be the emotional and spiritual transformation of Annelle.

“It is important for me to portray this development in a genuine way that does not feel contrived,” Martin said.

She last appeared in “A Christmas Carol” with Hobnob Theatre Company.

The action is set in Truvy's beauty salon in Chinquapin, La., where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done.

Filled with hilarious repartee and revealing verbal volleys, the play moves toward tragedy in the second act.

The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength — and love — which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and amiable company in good times and bad.

Also appearing in the show are Kelly Benner, Amy Dittman and Megan Flannery. The show is under the direction of Jud Stewart. The producers are Connie Donovan and Maria Wellman.

WHO: Butler Little TheatreWHAT: “Steel Magnolias” by Robert HarlingWHEN: March 13 to 21, at 8:15 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayWHERE: One Howard St.TICKETS: $12, to reserve call 724-287-6781 between 7 and 9 p.m. Mondays through FridaysINFO: www.bltgroup.org