The Old Academy Players Presents Crimes of the Heart, a Black Comedy by Beth Henley
Philadelphia, PA — As part of its 2025-2026 Season, The Old Academy Players is proud to present Crimes of the Heart, written by Beth Henley, American playwright, screenwriter, and actress. The Old Academy Players’ 548th production will run September 12-28, 2025; with Friday and Saturday performances at 8:00 pm and three Sunday matinées, September 14th, 21st and 28th at 2:00 pm. It is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
Henley completed Crimes of the Heart in 1978 and submitted it to several regional theatres without success. Unbeknownst to her, a friend entered it in the Great American Play Contest at the Actors Theatre of Louisville. The play was first performed in February 1979 at the Actors Theatre Louisville and it was named co-winner of the contest. The play continued to be developed, with productions in Los Gatos, St. Louis, and Baltimore at the Centre Stage Theatre.
The Manhattan Theatre Club produced the play Off-Broadway at Stage 73, from December 9, 1980, to January 11, 1981, for 35 sold-out performances. The play opened on Broadway at the John Golden Theatre on November 4, 1981, and closed on February 13, 1983, after 535 performances and 13 previews.
Crimes of the Heart won the 1981 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the 1981 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best American Play, and a nomination for a Tony Award. Henley's screenplay for Crimes of the Heart was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Reviews indicated:
“While this play overflows with infectious high spirits, it is also, unmistakably, the tale of a very troubled family. Such is Miss Henley’s prodigious talent that she can serve us pain as though it were a piece of cake.” —The New York Times.
“It has heart, wit and a surprisingly zany passion that must carry all before it…it would certainly be a crime for anyone interested in the theatre not to see this play.” —New York Post
“From time to time a play comes along that restores one’s faith in our theatre…” —New York Magazine.
Synopsis: The tragicomedy relates the story of the three Magrath sisters, Meg, Babe, and Lenny, who reunite at Old Granddaddy’s home in Hazelhurst, Mississippi, after Babe shoots her abusive husband. The sisters were raised in a dysfunctional family with a penchant for ugly predicaments. Each has endured her share of hardship and misery. Past resentments bubble to the surface as the sisters are forced to deal with assorted relatives and past relationships while coping with Babe’s latest incident. Each sister is forced to face the consequences of the “crimes of the heart” she has committed. Warning: Contains adult themes and adult language, it is not suitable for young children. Viewer discretion is advised.
Old Academy Players’ stellar cast includes: Eric Rupp as Doc Porter, Jennifer Sivers-Roberts as Lenny Magrath, Kyle Mitchell as Barnette Lloyd, Laura Young as Meg Magrath, Samantha Simpson as Chick Boyle, and Serena Pearl as Babe Botrelle.
Christopher Wunder directs. Old Academy Players’ production team includes: Annie Hnatko, Steve Hnatko, Josh Tull, Producers; and Alyssia Sims, Stage Manager.
Ticket prices are: $25 per adult; $15 for Students under 25 with valid ID; group rate (15 or more) $21 each. Tickets can be purchased online at www.OldAcademyPlayers.org. Reservations and more information can be obtained by calling the Box Office at 215-843-1109. Advance tickets are highly recommended. Old Academy Players is located at 3544 Indian Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129. Parking for all performances is free.
The Old Academy Players has provided continuous community theater entertainment since 1923 and is a non-profit community theater in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Constructed in 1819, the Old Academy building has been the OAP home since 1932. Old Academy Players is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. Most notable alumni include Tony Award-nominated actor Robert Prosky and Hollywood icon, Grace Kelly. Support is provided by the "Philadelphia Cultural Fund" and the "Sylvia W. and Randle M. Kauders Foundation".
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