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Crimes of the Heart

Closing: February 13, 1983

Crimes of the Heart - 1981 Broadway History , Info & More

Winner of the 1981 Pulitzer Prize and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best American Play. The scene is Hazlehurst, Mississippi, where the three Magrath sisters have gathered to await news of the family patriarch, their grandfather, who is living out his last hours in the local hospital. Lenny, the oldest sister, is unmarried at thirty and facing diminishing marital prospects; Meg, the middle sister, who quickly outgrew Hazlehurst, is back after a failed singing career on the West Coast; while Babe, the youngest, is out on bail after having shot her husband in the stomach. Their troubles, grave and yet, somehow, hilarious, are highlighted by their priggish cousin, Chick, and by the awkward young lawyer who tries to keep Babe out of jail while helpless not to fall in love with her. In the end the play is the story of how its young characters escape the past to seize the future—but the telling is so true and touching and consistently hilarious that it will linger in the mind long after the curtain has descended.


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A History of Musicals About Friendship
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 10, 2026


Friendship is nearly always a side element in musicals. From the comic sidekick of the leading character to the backup pals who provide background vocals, friends are part of the fabric of many shows—but rarely are they the main event. 

Spotlight on Plays: February 2026
by Team BWW - Feb 2, 2026


The Spring 2026 season has officially begun, and with it, comes new plays for theatre lovers of all kinds. Whether you live for intense dramas or would rather escape with zany comedies, there's something for everyone both on and off-Broadway in February 2026.

What Are Notable Broadway Shows About Lawyers?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 25, 2025


Two of the most famous lawyers in modern history are Ross Cellino Jr. and Steve Barnes. A hilarious dark comedy about the law partners, titled Cellino v. Barnes, has been running off-Broadway since last summer, starring Eric William Morris and Noah Weisberg and written by Mike B. Breen and David Rafailedes. 

Review: CRIMES OF THE HEART at Order Chaos Theater Company
by Herbert Paine - Apr 14, 2025


Order Chaos Theatre Company’s production of Beth Henley's CRIMES OF THE HEART is earnest in its attempt to capture the play’s bruised heart and tangled humor. However, ultimately, it’s a production that, like its characters, yearns for something more — and, at times, almost gets there.

Pulitzer Prize for Drama: Iconic Plays That Shaped American Theater
by Sidney Paterra - Apr 3, 2026


The Pulitzer Prize for Drama is one of the most prestigious honors in American theater, celebrating outstanding works that have made a significant impact on the stage. Here's a closer look at what the Pulitzer Prize for Drama is, how it works, and why it matters.

CRIMES OF THE HEART to Open at Ojai Art Center Theatre
by Emmy Rice - Mar 22, 2025


The Ojai Art Center Theater will present the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Crimes of the Heart, running March 28 – April 20, 2025. Check here for more details.

CRIMES OF THE HEART Will Be Performed By Avon Players
by Stephi Wild - Oct 14, 2024


Avon Players’ season will continue with a bittersweet story of three women coming home and reconciling the trajectory of their messy lives with their small-town upbringing in Crimes of the Heart, running November 8-23.

Central Scotland Documentary Festival Returns This Fall
by Michael Major - Oct 5, 2023


Central Scotland Documentary Festival is returning to engage audiences with thought-provoking films and discussions. 30 films are set to be screened at venues across Stirling including Macrobert's Filmhouse, Macrobert Moviehouse Plean and debuting this year - The Engine Shed.

Philadelphia Coming Out Parade Unveils Line-Up With Giselle Fetterman, Robert Drake, and More
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 29, 2023


Philadelphia is ready to make history once again. Pride 365: A Program of Galaei will present the inaugural Philadelphia OURfest: National Coming Out Parade and Festival/Resource Fair, the first National Coming Out Parade in the United States. Get event and lineup information here!

Video: Who Will Win the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama? Watch Live at 3pm!
by Nicole Rosky - May 8, 2023


The Pulitzer Prize Board will present the 2023 award winners for Prizes in Journalism, Books, Drama and Music. Who will win this year? Tune in right here at 3pm to watch the announcement live!

Sanaz Toossi's ENGLISH Wins 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
by Nicole Rosky - May 8, 2023


The Pulitzer Prize Board has just announced that English, by Sanaz Toossi has won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Other finalists included: On Sugarland by Aleshea Harris and The Far Country by Lloyd Suh.

Review: CRIMES OF THE HEART at the Good Theater
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jan 14, 2023


CRIMES OF THE HEART, Beth Henley’s Pulitzer-Prize winning 1981 dark comedy about three sisters and their shared secrets, receives a compelling production, directed by Brian P. Allen, at Portland’s Good Theater. Set in the Mississippi in the mid-twentieth century, Henley’s character-driven play has Chekovian overtones, as the relatively plotless piece relies on a series of revelations about the past to shape the mordent tragi-comedy.

Good Theater Presents CRIMES OF THE HEART This January
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 21, 2022


Good Theater welcomes the new year and continues its 20th anniversary season with Crimes of the Heart, running January 11th through January 29th.

Review: A Fine Production of CRIMES OF THE HEART is Playing at Desert Rose Playhouse
by Audrey Liebross - Jun 28, 2022


CRIMES OF THE HEART, the 1981 Pulitzer Prize winner for drama and a Tony nominee for best play, is currently playing at Desert Rose Playhouse. The production is well-directed and well-acted, and the play itself is absorbing, with both shallow and deep moments. Desert Rose’s take on Beth Henley’s play is very much worth seeing.

CAROUSEL, THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT & More Announced for Good Theater 2022/2023 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 16, 2022


Following a successful return to live theater in 2021 after the COVID-19 crisis darkened stages around the world, Good Theater has announced the schedule for the 2022/2023 season. This season marks Good Theater’s 20th anniversary, and promises to be a yearlong celebration with plenty of laughter, music, and, of course, good theater.

BWW Review: CRIMES OF THE HEART at Center Playhouse Shows How Sisters Bond Over Love and Heartbreak
by Erica Handel - May 9, 2022


Center Playhouse in Freehold presents their newest production of Beth Henley’s classic play, Crimes of the Heart. The tragicomedy is produced by Roberta Fallon and directed by Anthony Marinelli.

FAT HAM Wins 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
by Team BWW - May 9, 2022


The Pulitzer Prize Board has just announced that Fat Ham has won the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Other finalists included: Selling Kabul, and Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord.

VIDEO: Who Will Win the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Drama? Live at 3pm!
by Nicole Rosky - May 9, 2022


The Pulitzer Prize Board today will present the 2022 award winners for Prizes in Journalism, Books, Drama and Music. Who will win this year? Tune in right here at 3pm to watch the announcement live!

American Stage Announces 2022-2023 Season
by Marissa Tomeo - Apr 9, 2022


American Stage has announced their 2022-2023 season, which will mark the not-for-profit theatre’s 45th anniversary. The upcoming year will be centered on the theme “This is America, This is American Stage.” In celebration of their 45th anniversary, single tickets for all Mainstage performances will be just $45.

Birdland Jazz Club to Present Steve Ross
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 4, 2022


BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present vocalist and pianist Steve Ross – widely heralded as “The Crown Prince of New York Cabaret” – in a special show celebrating spring on Monday, April 18 at 7:00 PM.

NCTC Announces Melodious 40th Birthday Celebration In The Form Of A Musical Revue, ENCORE
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 31, 2022


In May, New Conservatory Theatre Center closes out their triumphant 40th Anniversary season with Encore. Featuring a cast of Bay Area favorites, this musical medley travels through NCTC's 40 years of living out loud - both on and off stage.

Cast Announced For Playhouse On Park's MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 9, 2021


MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY, by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, will run at Playhouse on Park from December 1 - 19, 2021. Sasha Brätt will direct this production.

Legendary Broadway Producer Liz McCann Dies at 90
by Robert Diamond - Sep 9, 2021


ELIZABETH IRELAND McCANN, the iconoclastic Broadway producer who won nine Tony Awards during a 60-year career in theater, died after a bout with cancer on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021 at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, according to her longtime associate and friend, Kristen Luciani.  She was 90 years old. 

THE HOT WING KING Wins the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
by Taylor Brethauer-Hamling - Jun 11, 2021


It was just announced by the Pulitzer Prize organization that Katori Hall's The Hot Wing King has officially won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. This year's finalists included Circle Jerk by Michael Breslin and Patrick Foley and Stew by Zora Howard.

Breaking: A STRANGE LOOP Wins the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
by Nicole Rosky - May 4, 2020


It was just announced by Pulitzer Prize Administrator Dana Canedy that Michael R. Jackson's A Strange Loop has officially won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. This year's finalists included: Will Arbery's Heroes of the Fourth Turning and David Henry Hwang and Jeanine Tesori's Soft Power.

Crimes of the Heart History

Other Productions of Crimes of the Heart

1980   Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway
1981   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
2001   Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway
2008   Off-Broadway Off-Broadway Revival
Off-Broadway

Crimes of the Heart - 1981 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners are highlighted with a background.
Crimes of the Heart — awards and nominations
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1982 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Debut Performance Lizbeth MacKay
1982 Theatre World Awards Performance Lizbeth Mackay
1982 Theatre World Awards Performance Peter MacNicol

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