LU Theatre Production 'Crimes of the Heart' Opens Tonight
Issue date: 11/19/08 Section: Entertainment
By Lexi Barker
Rotunda Reporter
Written by Beth Henley in 1978, "Crimes of the Heart" is a play that has been from London's West End to Tinseltown, spanning numerous performances by many casts in theaters worldwide from 1980 until now. In 1981 it won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, as well as the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best American Play. And now thanks to a hardworking ensemble cast and crew under the direction of Assistant Professor of Theatre Melissa Panzarello, "Crimes of the Heart" is coming to Longwood University's very own Jarman Auditorium.
The play itself focuses on three sisters who hail from a dysfunctional family, but don't let that statement fool you. Despite the fact that the play centers on three related female protagonists - the perfect formula for a fluffy story about family values that annoys more often than it uplifts - it remains very relatable to everybody. "I think [the audience] will be surprised," Panzarello said. "It's not a chick flick. …I know it sounds like it is, and when they made the movie back in the 1980s it kind of was. But I think there's something for everyone in that script."
The play's appeal could stem from its clever use of dark humor, a branch of comedy in which normally taboo things, topics and events are treated in a humorous or satirical manner. Though dark humor can become overpowering at times, it is very accessible because it uses circumstantial context to set up its punch lines. For example, Panzarello described a situation in the play that at first mention is horrific, but largely sympathetic. "There's a scene where they laugh at their grandfather being in a coma. It's because they've been up all night. …Sometimes those things happen." Anybody who's had to pull an all nighter and spent the next day giggling at a rolling tumbleweed can relate to that.
It's also worth noting that laughter is the best medicine, and at a time when the days are getting shorter and the weather is getting worse, a little laugh can go a long way. Though there was no intent to run "Crimes of the Heart" at a time when audiences would be most in need of a quirky, dark comedy, Panzarello agrees that its presence could certainly help ward off those blues that come with shorter days. "Actually, a lot of people think that it was funny," she said with a smile. "So hopefully if you come and see the show, it'll brighten up your spirits a little bit." And for those who love a happy ending, Panzarello assured that "it ends on an up note."
Opening night for "Crimes of the Heart" is Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. It will run at 7 p.m. as well on Nov. 20, 21 and 22, with a 3 p.m. showing on Nov. 23. Tickets are $4 for students, $6 for faculty and $8 for the general public. The box office at the front of Jarman Auditorium will be open to sell tickets from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as an hour before each showing.
Rotunda Reporter
Written by Beth Henley in 1978, "Crimes of the Heart" is a play that has been from London's West End to Tinseltown, spanning numerous performances by many casts in theaters worldwide from 1980 until now. In 1981 it won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, as well as the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best American Play. And now thanks to a hardworking ensemble cast and crew under the direction of Assistant Professor of Theatre Melissa Panzarello, "Crimes of the Heart" is coming to Longwood University's very own Jarman Auditorium.
The play itself focuses on three sisters who hail from a dysfunctional family, but don't let that statement fool you. Despite the fact that the play centers on three related female protagonists - the perfect formula for a fluffy story about family values that annoys more often than it uplifts - it remains very relatable to everybody. "I think [the audience] will be surprised," Panzarello said. "It's not a chick flick. …I know it sounds like it is, and when they made the movie back in the 1980s it kind of was. But I think there's something for everyone in that script."
The play's appeal could stem from its clever use of dark humor, a branch of comedy in which normally taboo things, topics and events are treated in a humorous or satirical manner. Though dark humor can become overpowering at times, it is very accessible because it uses circumstantial context to set up its punch lines. For example, Panzarello described a situation in the play that at first mention is horrific, but largely sympathetic. "There's a scene where they laugh at their grandfather being in a coma. It's because they've been up all night. …Sometimes those things happen." Anybody who's had to pull an all nighter and spent the next day giggling at a rolling tumbleweed can relate to that.
It's also worth noting that laughter is the best medicine, and at a time when the days are getting shorter and the weather is getting worse, a little laugh can go a long way. Though there was no intent to run "Crimes of the Heart" at a time when audiences would be most in need of a quirky, dark comedy, Panzarello agrees that its presence could certainly help ward off those blues that come with shorter days. "Actually, a lot of people think that it was funny," she said with a smile. "So hopefully if you come and see the show, it'll brighten up your spirits a little bit." And for those who love a happy ending, Panzarello assured that "it ends on an up note."
Opening night for "Crimes of the Heart" is Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. It will run at 7 p.m. as well on Nov. 20, 21 and 22, with a 3 p.m. showing on Nov. 23. Tickets are $4 for students, $6 for faculty and $8 for the general public. The box office at the front of Jarman Auditorium will be open to sell tickets from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as an hour before each showing.
Be the first to comment on this story