On, May 15, Morgan and Rosa Dickerman will host the Theater of the American South Patron Party prior to the opening performance of "Steel Magnolias." The next evening, Stuart Walston, Inc. will host a reception before the opening performance of "Fair and Tender Ladies."

The Patron Party will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 906 Nash Street N. The party is open to all those purchasing Theater of the American South patron passes. Patron passes begin at $50 and includes admission to the patron party and reserved seating for the opening night performance of "Steel Magnolias," as well as recognition in the festival program.

"Opening night celebrations are one of the great traditions of theater," said Gary Cole, managing director of Theater of the American South. "We are honored by the generous hospitality of Rosa and Morgan Dickerman and Stuart Walston Inc."

Theater of the American South also offers weekly patron passes, which cover the patron party, program recognition and tickets to both plays and all other events during any week of the festival (other than the May 31 garden party) for $80; Season patron passes cover the patron party, program recognition, and tickets to both plays and all other events throughout the festival (other than the garden party), for $130.

Theater of the American South events include two cooking demonstrations on both May 17 and 24 and a May 31 luncheon lecture on magnolias. The May 31 garden party may be added to any patron pass for an additional $20.

A portion of each patron pass is tax deductible.

Those wishing to become patrons but who are unable to attend the opening of "Steel Magnolias" may exchange their tickets for a later performance.

Theater of the American South patrons will also be entitled to attend the Stuart Walston Inc. reception, which will take place from 6 to 7:30 pm May 16 at 417 W. Nash St.

In addition, the reception is open to those who purchase tickets for any opening weekend performance (May 16-18) of "Fair and Tender Ladies." Author Lee Smith will appear at the reception.

Both the patron party and the Stuart Walston Inc. reception will feature a tasteful array of food and beverage offerings. Stuart Walston, Inc. is also a sponsor of Theater of the American South, joining Cornerstone Bank, BB&T, Wilson Medical Center and others on the festival's sponsorship list.

Patron passes and tickets to Theater of the American South plays and events may be purchased at the Wilson Arts Center or by calling 291-4329, ext.10. Tickets are also available online at www.theateroftheamericansouth.org.