By By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing Coordinator
CHADRON – The Chadron State College Theatre Department will present Crimes of the Heart, a comedy, Feb. 17-19 at 7 p.m., Feb. 20 at 2 p.m., and Feb. 25-26 at 7 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre. Free tickets can be reserved at www.csc.edu/theatre.
Interim Director of Theatrical Performances David Craven said the story begins when the Magrath sisters, Lenny, Meg, and Babe, gather at their grandfather's home in Hazelhurst, Mississippi, to try to fix their problems. The play, by Beth Henly, is about the sisters trapped in the expectations of other people and trying to figure out who they really are.
“Throw in their obnoxious cousin Chick, lawyer Barnette, and old flame Doc Porter, and you have a formula for two hours of fun and self-discovery,” Craven said.
Sam LaRive, who portrays Doc, said it is rare to have the opportunity to perform in a show with a perfect balance of drama and comedy.
Halle Smith, who plays Lenny, said the process has been different than other productions.
“We're taking this comedic show that focuses on a few dark topics, and breaking it down to find the light, loving moments,” Smith said.
Brennan Ackerman, who plays Barnette, said every character is incredibly realistic and well-developed.
Cast
Babe: Olivia Freeze of Bridgeport, Neb.
Lenny: Halle Smith Wheatland, Wyo.
Meg: Bruk Binyam of Chadron, Neb.
Chick: Cheyenne Bacon of Lewellen, Neb.
Barnette: Brennan Ackerman of Box Elder, S.D.
Doc: Sam LaRive of Hot Spring, S.D.
Technical
Director: David Craven
Stage Manager: Caleb Twite of White River, S.D.
Assistant Stage Manager: Reidun Hammer
Scenic Designer: Scott Cavin
Costume Designer: Pheobe Boyton
Lighting Designer: Chris Lidgett of Norfolk, Neb.
Props: Jarret Buchholz of Arnold, Neb.
Sound Design: Zak Wellnitz of Rushville, Neb.