Theatre Artists Studio to Present CRIMES OF THE HEART

Beth Henley's hysterical and touching exploration of the foibles and challenges of the three wacky Magrath sisters comes to the Theatre Artists Studio in the first production of the season.

Set in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, the Magrath sisters have gathered to await news of their grandfather, who is living out his final hours in the local hospital. The story centers around Lenny, Meg, and Babe who are all dealing with the ghosts of their family's notorious past. Throw in their nosy cousin, Chick, and two sexy men-Meg's former lover, Doc, and the young lawyer Barnette Lloyd, who has been tasked with helping Babe beat an attempted murder wrap. Their troubles are both grave and laughable as, together, they try to escape the past and seize their future. A touching and consistently hilarious story that will linger in the mind long after the lights fade to black.

Directed by Studio member Brad Allen, Crimes of the Heart features members Dee Rich, Debra Rich, Ashley Faulkner, Aaron Seever, and Julie Lee, along with guest artist Joshua Vern.

"Crimes of the Heart is one of my very favorite plays," says Allen. "It is one of the funniest plays I know, and although some of the humor is dark, the overall message of the piece is the power of family, hope, and humor to overcome even the worst possible situations. I am completely in love with each of the six characters-in all their quirkiness-and this cast is as close to perfect in their roles as you can get. I am very excited to share this wonderful story with The Studio's audiences."

Theatre Artists Studio presents Crimes of the Heart from September 4-20 at The Studio, 4848 E. Cactus Rd, #406, in Scottsdale. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for General Admission, $10 for Students 25 & Under and $15 for Groups of 10 or More, Seniors 65 and over and Members of the Military. For tickets, call the box office at 602-765-0120 or visit: www.thestudiophx.org.

This production is being presented under the auspices of the Actor's Equity Association Members Project Code.