Theatre Review
Crimes of the Heart
Broadway West - Fremont, CA
Reviewed By = Mauricio Segura
Crimes of the Heart can be considered a dark tragic comedy. Equally balanced, it's as disturbing as it is funny with a touch of heartwarming nuance.
Set in 1974 Mississippi, this twang-filled play covers a 24 hour period in the hard luck lives of the MaGrath sisters. All three were raised in a dysfunctional family and now, as adults, are dealing with hardship and misery. One sister, Babe, is fresh out of jail for shooting her husband in the stomach and now awaits trial. Ironically, one of the best defense lawyers in town is her ailing husband. Meg ran off to Hollywood with hopes and dreams to become a star but the spotlight just didn't shine in her direction; she returns home from a fresh stint in the loony bin. And finally Lenny, just 30, already feels washed up. With no friends, aside from her louder than average cousin, Chick, and a life not fully lived, she has practically given up on any chance of true happiness.
The sisters reunite when their grandfather's stroke leaves him in a coma at the local hospital. During the ordeal, they are forced to face inner personal demons, taking one to the brink of suicide and the others to the edge of their own sanity. The three collaborate in an attempt to put out the fires of their personal and collective miseries.
One might wonder, "Where does the comedy fit into all of this?" Strangely, it just does. The genius of this play is that it is highly entertaining and funny yet doesn't take anything away from the seriousness of the situation.
All of the actors are exceptional, allowing the audience to relate to each character and understand them. Dawn Cates (Lenny) does a splendid job drawing the audience into her emotion-filled character. You truly feel for her and wish things turn out for the best. Monica Colleti's Meg is powerful; Meg sees herself, a star. Ariel Aronica (Babe) is a delight to watch. Aside from the cutest smile which lights up the theater, she plays her character with a likeable charm. You know she just shot her husband, but you're willing to forgive. Ariel also pulled off the only true act of physical comedy opposite the kitchen stove. I won't reveal the scene, but two words came to mind in this highlight of the evening... "Ouch" and "Bravo"!
Aside from the sisters, Mandy Armes who plays Chick, is quite the scene stealer. From the beginning, her one-liners and uppity attitude make Chick a funny addition. Phillip Raupach (Barnette) is systematic in the way he delivers his lines - not a bad thing. It was very easy to follow his dialog, and considering he plays a lawyer, it made sense. Finally, Rick Fish as Doc Porter might be easy to forget with only two short appearances in the entire play, but Rick brought so much life into Doc that he completely owned his scenes.
Overall, Crimes of the Heart is a kaleidoscope of emotions. It took a few minutes for me to truly get into it, but once dialed in, I couldn't tune out. It was funny, horrendous, and sad, but a true hit for as evening at the theater.
Title = Crime of the Heart
Genre = Dramatic Play
Genre = Dramatic Play
Theater/City = Broadway West / Fremont, Ca
Contact Phone = (510) 683-9218
Production Dates = Now through December 17, 2012
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