Director Jerry Girton describes "Crimes of the Heart" as comedy, but don’t go expecting slapstick.

Wednesday, November 17, 1999

Director Jerry Girton describes "Crimes of the Heart" as comedy, but don’t go expecting slapstick. Go expecting to watch the story of three sisters – each crazy in her own way – unfold in a manner true and touching as well as hilarious.

From the beginning, when Lenny Magrath sits down at the kitchen table to salute her own birthday with a candle and a broken chocolate chip cookie, it’s clear that "Crimes of the Heart" has the potential both to amuse and to pull at the heart strings.

"You know how it is when brothers or sisters get together," Girton said. "You talk about old times and laugh … even though none of us are probably as crazy as these three, I think we all can find something in common with the characters."

"Crimes of the Heart" is set in Hazelhurst, Miss., where the three Magrath sisters have gathered to await news of the family patriarch, their grandfather, who is living out his last hours in the local hospital.

Lenny, the oldest sister, is unmarried at 30 and facing diminishing marital prospects.

Meg, the middle sister, who quickly outgrew Hazelhurst and who is referred to by her cousin in the Ladies League as "Christmas trash," is back after a failed singing career on the West Coast.

Babe, the youngest, full of life but a bit confused, is out on bail after shooting her husband in the stomach.

Watch the play to find out why.

"In the end, it’s a story of how the characters escape the past to seize the future," Girton said. "But the joy is in the telling."

"Crimes of the Heart" opens at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre on the East Campus of Riverland Community College and continues Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the same time, with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Tickets are $6 and may be reserved in advance by calling 433-0595.