Amy Arnold, a cast member in the Players Guild at Sugar Hill’s production of “Steel Magnolias,” is originally from Natchitoches, Louisiana — which just so happens to be the hometown of the stage play’s author, Robert Harling, who also adapted his work into a film released in 1989.

“I remember when ‘Steel Magnolias’ was being filmed in Natchitoches and how much excitement there was that Dolly Parton was in town,” Arnold said. “I did not realize at the time that this was based on a true story that took place in my hometown.”

Harling wrote “Steel Magnolias” as a tribute to his late sister, Susan, who died from complications of type 1 diabetes, leaving behind her 2-year-old son. In an interview with “Country Living,” Harling said he was afraid her son would never know who his mother was.

“All I wanted to do was have somebody remember her,” Harling said.

Set in a beauty salon in a fictional Louisiana town in the early 1980s, “Steel Magnolias” is a comedy-drama about the bond shared by six southern women as they experience the trials and triumphs of life.

Arnold, who plays M’Lynn in the Players Guild’s production, spent two weeks in June visiting her hometown and researching the story behind the play.

“It was such a humbling experience to revisit the original Harling house and see all of the filming locations from the movie,” she said. “I even paid tribute to the original steel magnolias, Margaret and Susan Harling, who are buried nearby. Because of my personal connection to the play, I feel a tremendous responsibility to portray M’Lynn as the strong, Southern woman that she actually was.”

“Steel Magnolias” is the opening production in the Players Guild at Sugar Hill’s 10th anniversary season.

‘When planning this season of classics and hope, I considered so many shows, but ‘Steel Magnolias’ was one that I kept coming back to,” said Justin Walker, artistic director for the…