The gamecock. (Columbia, S.C.) 1908-2006, March 29, 1985, Page Page 6, Image 6
'Crimes of the
Workshop audie
By Robert O'Connor
"Crimes of the Heart," which opened
Wednesday at Workshop Theatre, is a
delightful showcase of professionalism with
undercurrents of comedy and warm human
Ul ctlllct.
The Beth Henley-penned play, directed by
Ann Dreher and starring her sister Jane
Drcher, is easily one of the finest area plays
in recent history.
"Crimes of the Heart" is set in present day
Hazlehurst, Mississippi and centers around
the decidely opposite MaGrath sisters. Lenny
trviary jencoaij, ivicg u-ucinua urasmgionj
and Babe (Drehcr) arc reunited for a collection
of events that cause them to reidentify
their ideals and motives.
LENNY, THE oldest, robs herself of the
chance for happiness by hiding behind a wall
of insecurities and a dying grandfather.
Because of broken dreams in
Hnllvwnnd. Mpb returns to Ha/lehtirsl and
continues to hide behind her lies, drinking,
smoking and meaningless sex. And at the
core of the MaCirath clan lies Babe, who has
shot her husband because she "got tired of
his looks," had an affair with a fifteen-yearold,
arfcj contemplates suicide.
The sisters are interestingly different.
These are characters that the cast and director
m:iLi< lhi> Invc and want In hnve
lunch wiih. Lenny's despair, Meg's dreams
and Babe's helplessness all combine lo produce
a play thai is rich in realism and
passion.
Ann Dreher's direction is the key to
"Crimes of the Heart," locking itself into an
amazing cast. Dreher focuses oil character
structure and relationships with very sue
cessiui results.
The acting, however, makes the play click.
Mary Jeffcoat's Lenny is a calculating
character who undergoes subtle and gradual
changes. Jeffcoat allows Lenny to emerge
from a self-inflicted shell. Lenny, is perhaps,
the easiest to believe.
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Heart' captures
ince's respect
JANE DRKHER , in her first major role,
is quite entertaining. Though stiff and
perhaps frightened at first, Dreher and Babe
are a fragile rock-of-gibraltar. Dreher's
character emerges as a strange one, but her
acting deserves a second glance.
However, the most effectual actress is
Lucinda Brasington as Meg. Brasington immediately
claims the stage with her cestures.
expressions and immense talent. Brasington
blends comedy and exaggeration and ends up
as the play's brightest moment.
The supporting cast is also as likeable and
talented. Therese Aun nearly steals the show
from underneath Lucinda Brasington's feet
with her character of Chick, the disapproving
MaGrath cousin. Aun is hilarious as she
throws her comical weight on stage, showing
Krtr flair fs\r Unm/\r
Charlie Peterson is less effective as Doc,
the crippled love interest of Meg. One reason
could be that the charactcr is a stale and
undeveloped one. Tim Brosnan is good as
Barnett, Babe's defense lawyer. The supor
llllg 19 vAll v. 111 v. i j will j/llll iv-ll irt I y i ui iiiv.
superb cast.
DANIKI. ROY'S stage is especially effective.
Simplicity and a comfortable atmosphere
add much to the play.
"Crimes of the Heart is not only
entertaining-it arouses thought and respect.
Workshop Theatre should be commended
lor a fine season of quality performances.
"Crimes of the Heart" should not be missed.
The Bette Herring produced play will continue
through April 6. For more information
on tickets and times, call Workshop Theatre
at 799-4876. The play will have a Sunday
matinee at 3 p.m.. Ticket prices are $7 for
regular audiences and $6 for students and
senior citizens.
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Bud Cort is a death-obsessed 20 year-old and Ruth Gori
with in Hal Ashby's 1971 comedy "Harold and Maude," the
Theatre tonight and tomorrow.
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