Sacred Heart University’s Theater Arts Program (TAP) takes the stage for its first performance of the year in “Crimes of the Heart” on Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. in the Little Theatre.
Advertisement Poster for “Crimes of the Heart.”
Source: Instagram, @shutheatrearts
“Crimes of the Heart is the story of three sisters all fighting their own battles, but who are always there for each other,” said senior Danielle Savino. “The story follows what ensues when the three sisters are back in one place, trying to heal past wounds and make a better future for themselves.”
“Crimes of the Heart” follows the Magrath sisters, Lenny, Meg and Babe, who come together after tragedy strikes, forcing them to confront the ghosts of their past. While these sisters may be nothing alike, they need each other in order to deal with the consequences of their passions.
Savino, who plays Lenny, the oldest sister, described the show as capturing something that is “human and real,” which makes this show so special.
“Beth Henley, the playwright, has crafted this beautiful story about family, grief, loss, and love,” said Savino. “It reminds the audience of the importance of family and human connection.”
Behind the scenes photo from “Crimes of the Heart” starring Senior Dani Savino, Sophomore Macie Cox, and Sophomore Erin Pellegrini.
Source: Instagram, @shutheatrearts
The story begins when Babe, the youngest sister, shoots her husband, forcing her to return home and reunite with her sisters. These dysfunctional and damaged characters come together to heal in a way that demonstrates the meaning of family. While bizarre circumstances drive this family together, it is their relationship that captures the hearts of audiences.
“Before I started working on the show, I just knew that the show starts with the
youngest [sister] killing her husband, so that is what I assumed that the whole show was about, but really, when we started working on it, it was super cool to learn that it really is just about these three sisters. Yeah, she kills her husband, but that is sort of like a secondary plot to everything that is going on,” said senior Chris Conte, the production’s stage manager.
“I think there is a really beautiful message of the strength of family and how a family can be such a strong pillar in someone’s life,” said Conte.
This show deals with loneliness, pain, and suicide all through a dark, yet humorous tone. “‘Crimes of the Heart’ is an incredibly sad, yet heartwarming piece that discusses pain in a way that is very human,” said sophomore Erin Pellegrini, who plays Babe.
“I really have a fun time playing her [Babe] because of just how many sides there are to her character,” said Pellegrini. “I have had a blast tapping into this character and seeing everyone else work on their stuff… it just makes you really excited for the show.”
“I think that ultimately, it’s just something where you can go and understand and
be like, ‘Yeah, the hardships they go through is kind of sad,’ but in the end, it’s just a story about being together,” said Pellegrini. “I think that if you go and see it, leaving the theater, you will take that with you.”
TAP’s “Crimes of the Heart” will have performances in the Little Theatre on Sept. 21-23 and Sept. 28-30 at 8 p.m., as well as Sept. 24 and Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase in the Edgerton Box Office or by calling (203)-371-7908. Visit www.edgertoncenter.org for more information.
