Ivey (Hurlyburly, Follies, The Glass Menagerie) directs Steel Magnolias, which runs through Nov. 9. An official opening night has been set for Oct. 29.

The cast features Baker (Good People, "Girls") as Clairee, Stiles (Vanities, Into the Woods) as Annelle, Beth Broderick ("Under the Dome") as M'Lynn, Deirdre Lovejoy (Lucky Guy) as Truvy, Mary Pat Gleason ("Guiding Light") as Ouiser and Zoë Winters (4000 Miles) as Shelby.

"This community of women is such a delightful and touching story to tell. It truly is an ensemble play for if we didn't have one of the six there would definitely be something and someone missing in the story," Ivey said in a statement. "Their histories deepen this story beyond its surface of humor and teasing. The intelligence of that humor is based on those histories and relationships. It really is a love story celebrating the woman as well as the human being."

The creative team includes scenic designer Michael Yeargan, costume designer Joseph G. Aulisi, lighting designer Liz Lee and sound designer Kendall Simpson.

For tickets, visit alliancetheatre.org.