Theatre in the Round Brings Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play to Stillwater

Town & Gown Theatre in Stillwater presents Beth Henley's "Crimes of the Heart" as the fourth production of its 74th season, bringing the Pulitzer Prize-winning play to local audiences beginning April 3.

The play, which made its stage debut in 1979 and Broadway debut in 1981, blends melancholy, poignant moments with hilarious and heartwarming scenes through brilliant dialogue and unforgettable characters.

"Crimes of the Heart is a funny and heart-warming sister story with characters that everyone will recognize," says director Cindy Sheets. "While some of the situations in this play are a little out there, I think our audiences will be both charmed and amused with the story."

Sheets, a familiar face at Town & Gown both on stage and in the director's chair, most recently directed last season's Agatha Christie adaptation, "And Then There Were None."

The story follows three sisters who reunite in Hazelhurst, Mississippi, as their grandfather lives out his final hours in a local hospital. Lenny, the oldest sister, faces diminishing marital prospects at 30; Meg, the middle sister, returns after a failed singing career on the West Coast; and Babe, the youngest, is out on bail after shooting her husband in the stomach.

Their troubles, described as "grave and yet, somehow, hilarious," are highlighted by interactions with their priggish cousin, Chick, and an awkward young lawyer trying to keep Babe out of jail while avoiding falling in love with her.

At its core, the play explores how these young characters escape their past to seize the future, with a telling that is "so true and touching and consistently hilarious" that it promises to linger with audiences long after the final curtain.

Many patrons may recall the 1986 film adaptation starring Sissy Spacek, Diane Keaton, and Jessica Lange as the Magrath sisters, which brought the story to wider audiences.

The production features a cast of Town & Gown veterans, including Renae Perry as Lenny Magrath, Sydney Wehmeyer as Meg Magrath, and Courtney Pilkington as Babe Botrelle. Elisha Lightangel returns to the stage as the sisters' cousin Chick Boyle, and Aaron Carmichael plays Barnette Lloyd.

Making his Town & Gown debut is Mason Zweiacker, an Oklahoma State University theater graduate, in the role of Doc Porter.

Despite challenges, including a compressed rehearsal schedule, Sheets expresses confidence in the production.

"We have had a very short rehearsal period for this production, which initially caused me a bit of anxiety; but I've been delighted to find that was an unfounded worry," she says. "These actors have all worked very hard on their characters, which has been a joy for me. Their fantastic chemistry adds so much to this production."

The play's selection demonstrates Town & Gown's commitment to bringing diverse and acclaimed works to the Stillwater community, balancing challenging dramatic material with comedic elements that appeal to local audiences.

"Crimes of the Heart" runs for two weekends: April 3-6 and 10-13. Thursday through Saturday evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., while Sunday matinees start at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets go on sale Monday, March 31, and are available by calling the Town & Gown box office at (405) 372-9122 or visiting the theatre's website at www.townandgown.org.

• Adult tickets are $16, with discounted $14 tickets available for military members, students, and seniors.

The production is promoted in partnership with Visit Stillwater, highlighting the theater's role in supporting local tourism and community events. This collaboration demonstrates the interconnectedness of arts and tourism in the Stillwater community.