For Immediate Release --6/1/08
Morgan Arts Council • Berkeley Springs, WV
Press contact only: Tom Brooks - 304-258-8662

PHOTOS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
CRIMES OF THE HEART AT THE ICE HOUSE

BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV ---- An outstanding ensemble cast of local actors explores relationships in the dark comedy, "Crimes of the Heart" which opens at the Ice House on Friday, June 13 at 7:30pm and continues for two weekends. The Putlizer Prize play by Beth Henley has additional shows on Friday, June 20; Saturday, June 14 and 21 at 7:30pm; Sunday, June 15 and 22 at 3pm and a pay-what-you-can performance on Thursday, June 19 at 7pm.

The story is set in 1974, small town Mississippi and reflects the home decor, fashions and political sensibilities of the times and place. Three sisters come together to deal with family secrets on the occasion of the youngest shooting her husband . "Things have changed culturally since then," says Tamme Marggraf, who plays Lenny, the oldest sister, "like attitudes about smoking and interracial dating. What the audience feels though are the timeless emotions of being a family."

As an actress, Marggarf wants to help the audience look for themselves in the actions of the play. "Then you know you are not alone, even in the place of deepest fear," she says. "Sisters will particularly enjoy the play. They know it's sisters united against the world. That's what happens to the three Macgrath sisters." Marggraf lists a full spectrum of emotion touched upon from anger and revenge to love. "The best part of the play is how it can change from second to second -- from laughter, humor and the absurdity of life to heart wrenching pain and loneliness."

Tom Brooks co-directs the play with his wife, Beth. For him it is a "crime comedy. We laugh because we recognize the characters and situations."Brooks praises the excellence of the small cast. "They are able to portray not only the complicated relationships which are the focus of the play but also to show growth during the two days the play covers," says Brooks. "That's what acting is really about."

The ensemble casts includes, along with Marggraf, Beth Brooks, Ed Chafee, Kristin Palmer and Alex Metcalfe. "We were delighted to have Ashley Shade come back from college in time to play the youngest sister," says Brooks. "She grew up in our program here at the Ice House."

Brooks adds one thing more. "The secrets get exposed -- or at least understood -- by the end. The audience will leave satisfied."

BB&T is the play's exclusive sponsor. Crimes of the Heart is produced by the Morgan Arts Council as part of the community Ice House Theater Project. To make reservations call the theater hotline at 304-258-2300.

The Ice House is located on Independence and Mercer streets in downtown Berkeley Springs.