Returning home in the wake of a shooting, a failed career, the memory of a parent's suicide (with the family cat), a forgotten birthday, and a comatose grandparent has all the makings of the family reunion from hell. Meet the Magrath sisters, their dysfunctional family and insecure friends...the unforgettable characters of Beth Henley's hilarious and human Pulitzer Prize winner, Crimes of the Heart. Their question: "How does a person stay sane?" has never seemed more relevant!

The CAST and Crew

CRIMES OF THE HEART at NTID April 15-18

March 28, Rochester, NY - NTID Performing Arts’ newest production is Beth Henley’s Pulitzer Prize winning comedy CRIMES OF THE HEART. It will be presented Thursday-Saturday, April 15-17 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 18 at 2:00 p.m. at the 1510 Lab Theatre, LBJ building, RIT campus.

Directed by Bonnie Meath-Lang, NTID Performing Arts’ production of CRIMES OF THE HEART is a warmhearted, irreverent, zany and brilliantly imaginative play which teems with humanity and humor as it examines the plight of three young Southern sisters. The play takes place in Hazlehurst, Mississippi where the Magrath sisters; Lenny, Meg, and Babe, have gathered in the wake of a shocking family crisis. Lenny, the oldest, is unmarried and facing diminishing marital prospects; Meg, the middle sister, is just returned from the West Coast following a failed acting career; and Babe, the youngest, is out on bail after having shot her husband because “I just didn’t like his looks.” Add their meddling cousin Chick, Doc, an old flame returned home, and the love-struck lawyer, Barnette to the mix and you have the makings of a story which is at once filled with grave troubles and hilarious episodes.
“The process of creating this unique production has been a delight due to the talents of a marvelous cast of actors and of set/lighting designer Alan Will, costume designer Jennifer Guadagno, and sound designer Dan Roach.“ says Meath-Lang, “This production is presented simultaneously in Sign Language and spoken English for the enjoyment of both Deaf and hearing audience members. Henley’s play is a truly an original celebration of the human spirit—touching and witty, with unforgettable characters.”

Admission to this special production is free with tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis one hour before a given performance—no reservations. For more information send e-mail to ntidtix@rit.edu, or call 475-6251 (voice or tty).