Few stories capture the chaos and beauty of life, but theater has a particular way of bringing us all together. Without a screen separating the actors and audience, the scene becomes more intimate. Theatre is a vehicle for connection, and Crimes of the Heart, the newest production from RWU’s StageCo, does just that. This Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Beth Henley ties together humor and heartache as we follow the Magrath sisters traversing the looming death of their grandfather, a failed Hollywood dream, and the chaos unleashed by a violent ex-husband.
The show is set in the small town of Hazlehurst, Mississippi, in 1974. The plot revolves around the three Magrath sisters, Lenny, Meg, and Babe, whose lives are all upended and plunged into turmoil. Lenny, the eldest, feels restricted and lonely as she cares for their ailing grandfather. Meg, the middle sister, returns home, with cynicism and sharp sass, after dejected stardom in Hollywood. Meanwhile, Babe, the youngest sister, finds herself in a legal scandal after shooting her abusive husband. Through this narrative of sisterhood, Crimes of the Heart explores themes of grief and resilience—reminding the audience about the potent healing power of laughter.
The production’s meticulous details, under the steady direction of Professor Robin Stone, brought the audience into the Magrath’s world. The costumes were well crafted, capitalizing on the Southern charm of the 1970s. From Cousin Chick Boyle’s elegant dresses to Meg’s bold leopard print blouse, all the attire choices felt deliberate and authentic. Special credit must be given to all the crew members working behind the scenes, as the set design was equally impressive. The stage was encased by tall blue walls, functioning doors, and an array of furnishings. Some items included a vintage oven, a classic ringing telephone, and even an entire fridge. The Southern accents were largely convincing and impressive since most of the cast hails from our very own New England.
The chemistry among the cast was palpable, embodying their characters’ levity and struggles. Hannah Driscoll-Carignan brought fierce energy to Meg. Meanwhile, Sophia Thomas’ performance of eldest sister Lenny successfully captured the meeker strength of their character. Nicole Kowalewski gave a tender performance as Babe, a character who’s a delicate balancing act of naivety and complexity.
Connor Huffman portrayed Doc Porter, Meg’s ex, and provided a more grounded character to balance this stress-filled cast. Meanwhile, Madison Collins played Chick Boyle, the cousin who brought the family silly humor and a quippy bite. And Alec Corrado’s portrayal of Barnette Lloyd rounded out the cast as the good-hearted and lovestruck lawyer.
Henley’s Crimes of the Heart is about moving forward, even when the odds feel insurmountable. This production is a must-see, with a perfect mix of comedy and sorrow. If you missed this fantastic show, don’t fret—you still have a chance to catch RWU’s subsequent productions. The RWU Dance Theatre in Concert and the RWU Instrumental Ensemble and Chorus are starting in early December—two shows that promise a fun time. You can buy tickets right now at rwu.booktix.com.
