Fredericksburg Theater Company presenting ‘Crimes of the Heart’

FROM STAFF REPORTS

FREDERICKSBURG — After one of the Magrath sisters kills her abusive husband, the three women gather in the family home in Hazelhurst, Mississippi, to deal with aftermath. But they soon find themselves digging deep into past problems and relationships.

And through the pen of Beth Henley, they have to face it all, including the latest situation.

Welcome to “Crimes of the Heart,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning dark comedy that centers on these three eccentric, disaster-prone Southern sisters. The Fredericksburg Theatre Company is bringing the story to the stage April 10-26 at the Steve W. Shepherd Theater, 1668 U.S. 87.

Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m Sundays.

“Crimes of the Heart” won the 1981 Pulitzer Prize and the New York Drama Critics Circle.

Kerry Groff, the Fredericksburg company’s artistic and technical director, is directing this play.

Groff described the play as something to which almost anyone can relate based on the family dynamics — but probably not the murder.

“However, the story of these particular three sisters — the Magrath sisters — is far from basic,” Groff said. “The play focuses on the simple truth that every family is unique and different as the individuals themselves. That’s what makes ‘Crimes of the Heart’ so compelling and moving. Our family hardships are different from what the three sisters experience, but we undoubtedly can feel empathy for them.”

Advance tickets are $29 for adults and $12 for ages 17 and younger and are available at the box office. Tickets at the door are $35. Box office hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday. Tickets also may be purchased online at www.fredericksburgtheater.org or by calling (830) 997-3588.

Additional information about the show, the theater and upcoming events can be found on the theater company’s Facebook page as well.

editor@thepicayune.com