Avalon Salon Transforms into Truvy's for 'Steel Magnolias'

There was barely a dry eye in the house Sunday night as guests watched the play Steel Magnolias at .

The salon, located at Deer Park Town Center, was transformed into Truvy's hair salon for the production, which was presented by The Guild Theater Company. The play served as a benefit for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, with $5 of each $25 ticket being donated to the organization. The play ended its successful two-weekend run Sunday night.

“We really lived this this year,” Bonnie Conte, the salon's “chief inspirational officer,” said of the play. Steel Magnolias, which was made into a movie with an all-star cast, features a woman, Shelby Eatenton, who is battling diabetes. In the case of , a woman who has worked at the salon since it opened 10 years ago was diagnosed with breast cancer in January, Conte said.

“We went through all the emotions,” said Conte.

brings attention to and raises money for Breast Cancer Awareness Month each October. Last year, the salon donated $1,500 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

“A lot of that (money) comes from our team,” said Conte. Employees can pay $5 to wear jeans on weekends in October, a fundraiser the salon calls “We're Casual Because We Care.”

“Our clients come in and see us wearing jeans and they get behind the cause as well,” said Conte.

This year, the salon decided to do something bigger by partnering with The Guild Theater Company. The Guild Theater presented two performances of the play on two consecutive Sundays, Oct. 30 and Nov. 6.

Paul Sprecher, manager of neighboring business Harry & David, is a member of The Guild Theater Company. He said bringing the play from the stage to a smaller setting was challenging, but it worked well.

“Theater in the salon — I like that,” said Sprecher.

The play featured the following individuals:

• Keta Roth as Truvy Jones

• Jocelyn Adamski as Annelle Dupuy Desoto

• Sharon Roseri as Clairee Belcher

• Christine Cummings as Shelby Eatenton

• Stephanie Wootten-Austin as M'Lynn Eatenton

• Gloria Fields as Ouiser Boudreaux

Dan Scott directed the play.

Guests enjoyed refreshments and entered a raffle to win prizes like and Harry & David gift baskets.

Conte noted that Deer Park Town Center businesses are teaming up to hold a .