Even though a play focuses on six women who spend their time in a beauty parlor, it doesn’t have to be just for chicks.

The Montana Repertory Theater’s production of “Steel Magnolias” is one example of women’s stories piquing men’s interest.

“Interestingly enough, the men enjoy it even more than the women,” says director James Nicola.

Nora Gustuson, who plays Annelle, says it’s the men who first say they can relate to an experience from the play or talk about how moving it was.

“To hear that big hearty male laugh, and to have the men feel welcomed into this little world, it’s very rewarding,” Gustuson says.

Anne-Marie Cusson, who plays Truvy, says the play is a winner because it appeals to both men and women.

“Steel Magnolias” is set at Truvy’s Beauty Parlor in Louisiana, where the women gossip about their families, each other, the men in their lives and the situations they create.

The amusement of these moments is offset by serious ones when characters battle through difficult decisions and illness.

The women who make up the cast have been touring together since the day after Christmas and say they have made bonds beyond the ones they portray on stage. Cusson says they all get along, have fun and have grown closer.

“It could be a recipe for emotional disaster, but the stars have been aligned for us through this tour,” Cusson says.

Cusson and Gustuson say they have many preshow rituals and traditions, like dancing to the country music that plays in the house before every show.

“I think the local crews get a kick out of standing back stage and just watching us have a blast,” Gustuson says.

But for Gustuson it’s not always fun and games — it’s also work.

She is not only in the cast, but she is also on the crew, which means she is responsible for loading everything in and out before and after every show, an undertaking that requires a lot of energy, she says.

“I’m really good about making sure I get my carbs so I have energy for the day,” Gustuson says. Gustuson also says getting into costume and putting on makeup kicks her into gear when it’s showtime.

For Nicola, getting to showtime meant running rehearsals for one month, six days a week for eight hours — but once rehearsals ended, so did Nicola’s time with the cast.

Nicola says he directs through opening night and then it’s in the hands of the stage manager, but he will be checking on the show later in its run.

Cusson says she is looking forward to Nicola’s feedback when he sees the show again because he was such a big part of their lives during the month of rehearsal.

“It will be exciting for him to come and see what has developed while we’ve been on tour,” Gustuson says.

To the cast, Nicola’s departure hasn’t spawned any worries because his abilities as a director had prepared them for the road.

“Once the director finishes up with the show it belongs to the cast,” Cusson says. “We know where the play is going.”

What: Steel Magnolias

Where: Stephens Auditorium

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday

Cost: $16.50 – $30.50