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Photo Flash: School of Theatre at Florida State Presents CRIMES OF THE HEART, 10/5-10/14

With its national reputation, the School of Theatre at Florida State premieres its theatrical season with Beth Henley's Pulitzer Prize-winning Crimes of the Heart directed by MFA Directing candidate Matt Silva. This production will run from October 5-14 in the Lab Theatre, on Copeland Street between St. Augustine and Lafayette Streets.

"There was a need in the season for something that highlighted female talent," stated Silva. "It's really just a wonderful chance for three actresses to just play like children. The situations and circumstances are very youthful and full of joy and also pain…and beauty comes out of that, since we see them sort of break free and break the chains that were crippling them."

Crimes of the Heart was first performed in 1979 at Actors Theatre of Louisville, and then moved to Broadway in 1981. That same year it won the Pulitzer Prize and the New York Drama Critic's Circle Award for the year's best play. The story, a tragic comedy, centers around the three MaGrath sisters, their problems, their heartache, and the crimes of the heart that each has committed.

Set in the small town of Hazlehurst, Mississippi, 1978, the story follows the sisters as they face crisis after crisis. Denee Lortz plays Lenny, the oldest sister, who has devoted herself to caring for their sick grandfather. Emily Ross plays the middle sister, Meg, who returns home to Hazlehurst after a failed attempt at a singing career on the West Coast. Leryn Turlington plays Babe Botrelle, the youngest MaGrath sister, who is married to one of the most powerful men in town.

The supporting cast includes Chris Martin as local lawyer Barnette Lloyd, Sara Jackson playing the MaGrath sisters' cousin Chick Boyle, and Lukas Vlasnik as Doc Porter.

"These are real living, breathing people going through some serious, serious things, but in the meantime we are just able to laugh and have fun with them," says Silva.

Associate Marketing Director, Heather McFarland, remarked, "Tallahassee audiences will fully relate to the southern charm of Crimes of the Heart and be delighted by the familiar family dynamics and ensuing chaos."

Through heartache and loneliness, times of beauty and bliss, the three sisters confront their fears and attempt to fulfill their dreams one day at a time; reminding us that home is where the heart is.

For more information regarding tickets and season passes, please visit: theatre.fsu.edu or call our ticket office: (850) 644-6500.

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Adult Ticket: $20.00.
Senior Ticket (Age 62+): $18.00.
Student Ticket: $10.00.
Recommended for ages 13 and over.

Photo Credit: David J. Valdez