Truvy Jones runs a beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies in the neighborhood have a standing Saturday appointment. Along with her anxious and eager assistant, Annelle, Truvy styles the hair of many of the women: wealthy widow and former first lady of Chinquapin, Clairee Belcher, curmudgeon Ouiser Boudreaux, icareer woman M’Lynn, and her daughter Shelby. Shelby’s engagement is the talk of the town, but the joy of her wedding quickly turn to concern as she faces a risky pregnancy and a myriad of health complications. Eventually, when Shelby dies from complications related to her diabetes, M’Lynn has to deal with the most difficult of challenges: the loss of one’s only child. Theatre of the Republic, 331 Main St. Thursdays-Sundays, 7:30 p.m. except for 3 pm on Sundays. $35+. (843) 488-0821, www.thetheatreoftherepublic.com/shows