Milwaukee Chamber Delves Into 'Crimes of the Heart'

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre opens its 2011-2012 season with the compelling psychology of Beth Henley's Crimes of the Heart. This deftly written, darkly comic drama tells the story of three adult sisters dealing with different internal struggles as they reunite at their grandfather's home in Hazelhurst, Miss.

Last February, Waukesha Civic Theatre staged an impressive production of the drama. The Milwaukee Chamber Theatre production has the added advantages of a bigger budget, a warmer stage and an all-star ensemble of local professionals. The talented Mary MacDonald Kerr will direct the show with a cast that includes Laura Gray, Georgina McKee and Laura Frye. Gray, a comic talent also capable of deep drama, plays the eldest sister, who has spent her life caring for her grandfather. McKee portrays the middle sister, a compassionate woman who is something of a drifter. Frye will have an opportunity to delve into the darker end of subtle comedy in the role of the youngest sister, who has recently been arrested for shooting her husband in the stomach.

Also in the cast are Gray's husband, Jonathan Wainwright, playwright/actor Neil Haven and Karen Estrada.

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre's production of Crimes of the Heart runs Aug. 11-28 at the Broadway Theatre Center's Cabot Theatre. To reserve tickets, call 414-291-7800.

Theater Happenings

• Carte Blanche Studios hosts a festival of new, short works Aug. 11-14 at its intimate space on 1024 S. Fifth St. For more information, call 262-716-4689 or visit www.carteblanchestudios.com.

• Also opening this week is American Players Theatre's The Tempest, featuring Milwaukee Rep resident actress Deborah Staples as Ariel and Kenneth Albers as Prospero. The production runs Aug. 5-Sept. 30 at APT's Up-The-Hill Theatre. To reserve tickets, call 608-588-2361.