It’s important to remember while your family may seem crazy, there is always another more dysfunctional. Take, for example, the Magrath sisters in Crimes of the Heart.
This Southern Gothic drama, which kicks off the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s season and runs through August 28, is actually a lighthearted comedy, as long as you can find the humor in coping with life’s everyday tragedies. “Or you just have a twisted sense of humor,” says C. Michael Wright, Producing Artistic Director.
Set in Hazelhurst, Miss., three sisters cope with more drama than you’re likely to see on “The Jerry Springer Show” – suicide, stroke, domestic violence, dementia. Lovelorn Lenny, the classic older sister, celebrates her 30th birthday in solace, while the errant middle child, Meg, returns home from a failed singing career and the sweet little sister, Babe, has been arrested for shooting her husband in the stomach. “It’s about family, the roles we play, how we support each other, survival and how we move on,” says Wright. “Mostly, it’s just about having a good sense of humor about life.”
Long-time company member Mary MacDonald Kerr makes her directing debut in this three-act play that takes place over 24-hours. Written by Mississippi-native Beth Henley, Crimes of the Heart won the 1981 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the New York Drama Critic’s Circle Award. Henley also adapted the play for the 1986 film version featuring Diane Keaton, Sissy Spacek, Jessica Lange, Sam Shepard and Tess Harper. Maybe you’ve heard of a few of those ladies.
Milwaukee Chamber Theatre started in 1975 when four actors broke off from the Milwaukee Rep and co-founded the company with the intent to provide a more intimate theatre-going experience. In addition, the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre is committed to supporting local talent and performing great literary works. Crimes of the Heart is the fifth production in its Pulitzer Prize series.
See Crimes of the Heart at the Broadway Theatre Center (158 N. Broadway). For tickets, click here or call 414-291-7800.
One more not to miss: Milwaukee Domes Art Festival – August 19-21
Did you know that the Mitchell Park Domes are the world’s only cone-shaped glass houses? And, that the first dome opened to the public in a dedication by Ladybird Johnson in 1964? If you’ve never been, here is a great reason to check out these gorgeous horticultural conservatories.
The Art Festival will feature live music, food and 70 different artists creating, displaying and selling their work. There will even be a little competition going on –15 painters will vie for $10,500 in an open-air competition. An $8 ticket includes admission to the festival, the Domes and parking. This is a family-friendly event and children under 5 are admitted for free.
