Step Up Productions' CRIMES OF THE HEART Begins Tonight at The Athenaeum Theatre

Step Up Productions will conclude its 2014-15 season with Beth Henley's Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning dark comedy CRIMES OF THE HEART directed by Brad Akin, playing tonight, May 8 - June 14, 2015 at The Athenaeum Theatre (Studio One), 2936 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available at www.stepupproductions.org or by calling The Athenaeum Box Office at (773) 935-6875. The press opening is Tuesday, May 12 at 7:30 pm.

CRIMES OF THE HEART will feature Elizabeth Antonucci, Sarah-Jayne Ashenhurst, Will Crouse, Drew Johnson, Lindsey Pearlman and Amanda Powell.

Life hasn't been easy for the three MaGrath sisters: their father abandoned them and their mother hanged herself - along with her cat. Now, they've reunited at Old Grandaddy's home in Hazlehurst, Mississippi as the family patriarch lies on his deathbed. Lenny is still unmarried at 30, Meg's singing career has flopped and Babe is out on bail after shooting her abusive husband. Forced to confront assorted relatives and past relationships, the three manage to find meaning and happiness in their lives - even if it is just momentary.

Partial proceeds from CRIMES OF THE HEART will benefit YWCA Chicago. As part of its mission, Step Up Productions donates a portion of its proceeds to organizations in and around Chicago that support issues often highlighted in its productions.

The production team for CRIMES OF THE HEART includes: Sarah Watkins (scenic design), Raquel Adorno (costume design), Rebecca Barrett (lighting design), Matthew Chapman (sound design), Maria DeFabo (props design), Adam Goldstein (dialect coach), Dorthea Walstrom (make-up design), Tara Branham (casting director), Maggie Rogers (dramaturg, asst. director), Jacob Puralewski (technical director), Jordan Grzybowski (costume asst.) Becca Gonet (asst. stage manager), Catherine Allen (production manager) and Daniel D. Drake (stage manager).