This year marked 31 years since the publishing of “Steel Magnolias” by playwright Robert Harling. The play covers events over three years, and the name “Steel Magnolias” stems from all of the women being depicted as delicate as magnolias, yet tough as steel.

WATERFORDrama’s production last month featured an all female cast of six Waterford students.

“I never in a million years would think I would make such amazing friends within two months. We are truly a very close group, and we’ve gone through pretty much everything together at this point,” junior Nina Pezzello recounted.

“These girls with me are inspiring, kind, hardworking, and push me to be the best version of myself with in each rehearsal.”

WATERFORDrama has previously put on two productions with an all female cast: “12 Angry Jurors” and “I Am.”

Throughout every production process, each WATERFORDrama student spends about two months perfecting the portrayal of their character.

Pezzello, when asked what she enjoyed most about playing her role, M’Lynn Eatenton, said her character holds the group together despite very intense moments.

“I feel my character keeps everything intact at all times, so when she has her breaking moment it shows she is a human too,” she said. “At first, I had a hard time figuring out how I wanted to take on the role of M’Lynn, that was a challenge that I worked extremely hard on throughout the process, and ultimately was the most difficult.”

Fellow castmate and junior Lily Watson, who played Shelby Eatenton Latcherie, said she would almost lose herself in some intense moments.

“[Shelby] has dreams and concerns just like everyone else,” she said.

“I love that I can connect with Shelby and bring her to life the way Robert Harling would want her to be, but also get to add a touch of myself.”