The Pulitzer Prize winning, Tony nominated “Crimes of the Heart” by Beth Henley will open at A.C.T. Studio Theatre on March 21. This dark comedy, set in the small town of Hazlehurst, Mississippi, is a poignant yet humorous character-driven portrayal of women as combatants—not victims—in life. Ms. Henley weaves her complex characters, a trio of sisters in 1970s Mississippi, into a beautiful tapestry of storytelling that shows how much these women respect and care for one another.

The three Magrath sisters have reunited at their family home after the youngest sister shoots her abusive husband. The reunion comes at a crucial intersection of the three women’s lives with moments of laughter, anger, empathy and the dysfunction of a family laid bare. It’s a masterfully-written relatable family drama that became a hit movie featuring Diane Keaton, Jessica Lange and Sissy Spacek.

In 1981, Beth Henley was the first woman to win the Pulitzer for Drama in 23 years, and her play was the first ever to receive that honor before opening on Broadway. “Crimes of the Heart” was also a Tony nominee for Best Play. Today, the award-winning script continues to give talented women a chance to exercise their theatrical gifts onstage. Although written more than 40 years ago, the play’s treatment of domestic violence and mental health issues makes it acutely relevant still.

With comic threads running through tragic moments, “Crimes of the Heart” brings a rewarding evening of theater. Join us at A.C.T. Studio Theatre weekends March 21 to April 6. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.; Sundays at 3:00 p.m. For tickets and information, please visit actstudiotheatre.com or call (772) 932-8880. Tickets are $26. A.C.T. Studio Theatre is located in the Cedar Pointe Plaza, 2399 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart.

Friday, March 21 at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 22 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 23 at 3:00 p.m.
Friday, March 28 at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 29 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 30 at 3:00 p.m.
Friday, April 4 at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 5 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 6 at 3:00 p.m.