“Avenue Q” has been called a cross between South Park and Sesame Street.  The actors carry puppets, although the actors are not hidden, so this is not a puppet show.  The puppets were originally conceived and designed by Rick Lyon and created by Dallas Costume Shop. The puppets (some of whom are monsters similar to Cookie Monster and others) recall our childhood adoration of Sesame Street.  However, “Avenue Q” has not been authorized or approved by the Jim Henson Company or Sesame Workshop which have no responsibility for content.  That does not necessarily mean that Jim Henson is not smiling somewhere.

To enact the story, the actors are wearing black and carrying the puppets with them.  Their faces and thus expressions are visible to the audience.  Some of the roles are double cast, and so, occasionally an actor will manipulate a puppet where another actor is speaking the lines as he manipulates a different puppet and delivers those lines in character.  A daunting task for Stevenson to clarify on stage and he does so with a remarkable cast of musical theatre genius.

The story line is universal.  The difficulties young people encounter as they first step out in the world with their academic and parental ties essentially severed are told in “Avenue Q” with a very modern and somewhat disarmingly offensive take.  They are finding their way in the world, and losing their way in life.

The characters are portrayed and operated by a cast of 7 actors and 2 ensemble operators.  Three of the characters do not use puppets, although they interact naturally with them.  Brian who dreams of a comedic career is played marvelously by Doug Ford.  His lady, Christmas Eve, a social psychologist in need of establishing a good client base, is played outstandingly by Cristela Carrizales.  The superintendent is Gary Coleman, the former child star and is played by JaLeesa Beavers.  Beavers does not try to be Coleman, thusly, she is Coleman. These three are tremendous singers and actors and have excellent rapport with the puppet characters, each other and the audience.

The puppeteer/actors are Lane Fields as Princeton and Rod, Gwendolyn Evans as Kate Monster, Lucy & others, Jared Blount as Nicky, Trekkie Monster, Bear & others and Crystal Ecker as Mrs. T., Bear & others.  Joshua McGowen  and Timothy Stewart round out the ensemble puppeteer cast as assistant manipulators.  Fields and Evans are excitingly talented in the musicality and action, while Blount and Ecker reflect excellence in supporting roles.  Stewart is also Properties Master and Blount is also responsible for the  great Video Animation Design.

As an example of excellence, Evans’ moment of shared triumph in acting occurs when she is onstage as Lucy, manipulating that puppet, while Kate Monster is also on stage.  Evans voices both characters, but Ecker is manipulating Kate for the scene.  Because the puppet actors faces are revealed one could see the face of Ecker as Lucy.  Crystal Ecker and Gwendolyn Evans are both exceptionally talented brunette actresses.  However they are quite different in appearance and could normally not be mistaken for one another.  Yet, in those moments, Ecker looks exactly like the character of Kate.  Incredible!  Similarly difficult achievements are effortlessly performed by Fields and Blount.

Musical Director Todd S. Malicoate  conducts an excellent band which dovetails nicely with Stephenson’s direction and concepts.  There is not space enough to list each musicians name, but they perform beautifully as a unit in accompaniment to the excellent voices resounding through the theatre.

The show can be considered offensive to some. Young people starting out often behave in a manner which is offensive, because they find that offending seems to make their point.  In some cases, offensive material can dilute the point, and some members of the audience seem to feel that way, however, every audience member can only be astounded by the musicality and tremendous acting these roles require.  Interestingly, the division is not generational, it is according to personal temperament.

Patrons should arrive prepared for possible ‘offense’ and able to appreciate the performance as it stands.  Those who feel unequal to witnessing explicit scenes between puppets should stay away, however, “Avenue Q” never descends to the level of daytime television, so, think carefully before aligning with a specific group.  Well, of course, there is that one scene, that superbly executed scene, that appallingly delightful scene that one should never see in the presence of their mother.

Buy mom flowers, but take your date to “Avenue Q” showing through May 18, 2013 at the Pollard Theatre in downtown Guthrie.  The curtain rises at 8pm so visit www.thepollard.org for tickets or contact the box office at 405-282-2800.  No regrets with this shock and awe production of “Avenue Q” at the Pollard! 

To accomplish this Jewel Box has drawn on the talents of Jay Prock who, in addition to designing the action of the drama has designed, painted and executed elegant and lavish scenic effects.  Mendy Kane keeps the whole kit n’ caboodle under some semblance of control and choreographers Morgan Smith and Derek Flowers give the whole thing the out of control appearance that is so exciting.  Exceptional costumes by Christopher Sieker and props by Julie Prock  bring the action to life.

The play takes place during the days of the Pony Express and the place in the old west is the relay station in Carson City Nevada. The resplendent activities are revealed by the ‘illustrious’ actors beginning with Carol McDonald as the Widow Mentary, the wheezy proprietress of the relay station, and her lovely but talentless daughter, Ella Mentary, played by Rachel Conn.  Ella Mentary may not be talented and it takes a great deal of poise as well as talent from Conn to make her so real and amusing.  McDonald leaves us unsure about whether her cough stems from the dust created by the galloping riders or the spirits she serves and does so entertaingly.  Christine Harris is delightfully devious as Felicia Da Flea, a human Venus fly-trap.  Harris vamps with the greats of yesterday from Langtree to Bernhardt.  Marisa Skube as Melba Loveless is the perfect example of a woman scorned.  Alex Prather is the young cowboy and potential Pony express rider called Ned Sterling playing the perfect lovelorn bumblehead anxious to win his love by impressing her with his inconsiderate skills.

And the Villain?  For the excess in dirty deeds, director Prock had to look no further than David Palmer to play the clever cad, Pugsley MoonQuake with the twirling moustaches.  It is amazing how an actor can give the illusion of twirling his moustache when he has both hands in the till!  Dana Palmer is the wealthy, husband hunting Astabula Hugankiss, and her delectable performance is exquisitely funny.  Jennie Linck is Annie, her servant, and she is the only one who seems to know what is going on!  Kyle Anderson as the stagecoach driver Foghorn Redburn is wonderful as he takes no sass, but keeps everyone in line (he thinks) and sets up the action for the audience.  Larry Harris is Pony Bill and Pony Bob, David Burkhart is Calamity Joan, Katie Hardin is Paloma Palomino and Morgan Smith, Bailey Smith and Stuart Brand round out the cast.

The show is hysterical and the actors deserve no rotten tomatoes!  “Dirty Work on the Trail Or, Go Slow With the Pony Express” is but the first act!  The second act consists of the Olio Acts, a Musical and Comedy Revue that is heady and entertaining.  The players consist of the entire cast with many additional supernumeraries that space does not allow mentioning in person.  It becomes apparent in this act that Ella Mentary may not be able to sing but Rachel Conn certainly carries a tune as does everyone else.  There are no single stars in this ensemble cast, but there is a galaxy of laughs in this melodrama and variety show.

Come one, come all, and no one needs to stop for any ‘elixer’ to enjoy this sort of thing (if you like this sort of thing) because, if you don’t, you will!  “Dirty Work on the Trail Or, Go Slow With the Pony Express” plays through May 5, 2013 with an 8pm curtain Thursday through Saturday and a Sunday 2:30pm matinee.  For tickets ring up the box office at 405-521-1786  or, if the bad guys have cut the wires, go wireless at www.jewelbox.org. The Jewel Box is located in the First Christian Church, 3700 N. Walker in Oklahoma City.

“Chalk in the Rain” is a heart-wrenching although not heart-warming story about a young Native American woman who returns to the school and orphanage where she made her home as a teen.  Four years later, as a successful broadcast journalist, she is helping out the school by hosting a radio-thon fundraiser to keep the school open.  As she arrives, she is bombarded by the memories of her time as a student, her warm relationship with the headmistress, her best friend and her first love.  The story is universal, it is not a happy memory, and the tragedy manifests through a series of flashbacks.

“Chalk in the Rain” is authored by Bret Jones and is one of many plays and novels by the author.  Jones is Director of Theatre at Wichita State University.  He has a M.A. in Drama and a PH.D. In Education from the University of Oklahoma.   Jones has submitted from the first Native American New Play Festival since its inception in 2010, and was a finalist with “War Paint”. In 2011, Jones again became a finalist with “An Inside Strait” and last year, “Chalk in the Rain” was part of the staged readings segment of the Festival.  “War Paint” and “Kindred” have won the Garrard Playwriting Award sponsored by The Five Civilized Tribes Museum,

Carly Conklin directs “Chalk in the Rain” and takes excellent advantage of the space available at City Space.   Conklin has many directing credits, but debuts her talent as a director with this production.  Paul Mitchell is Stage Manager and Assistant Director enhancing Conklin’s abilities.

The cast consists of several Native Americans with significant theatrical experience.  Rachel Morgan plays Melea Tiger, the young journalist returning to assist her alma mater.  She is making her debut for OKCTC and will be a featured player in future productions.

Misty Red Elk plays Ms. Sandra Hayes the kindly, but somewhat overwhelmed headmistress.  Her performance is slightly too hesitant, but the script for “Chalk in the Rain” demands hesitancy.  Jeremy Tanequodle is Colin Fowler, the young man who broke the heart of Melea, and continues to break her heart as he attends her interviews for the upcoming broadcast.  Tiffane Shorter is Angelina Bible, the only cast member appearing solely in Melea Tiger’s flashbacks.  Her performance is strong enough for her presence to be felt significantly in the present by the other characters, and of course, the audience.

“Chalk in the Rain” plays through April 20, 2013, and this weekend will include the performance of “Sparrow” a commemoration of the Oklahoma bombing by Vicki Lynn Mooney.  Tiffany Tuggle Rogers will perform.  Additionally the Festival will present several staged readings from other submissions this weekend and promises to be a very interesting and entertaining event for Oklahomans learning more about the culture that shapes our state.

For information and tickets about “Chalk in the Rain” or “Sparrow” as well as any other events visit www.okctc.org or call 405-297-2264 which is the number for the Civic Center Box Office.  City Space is a small space so be sure and reserve tickets.  The Civic Center Music Hall is located in downtown Oklahoma City, and parking is available in several locations.  The City Space Theatre is on the lower level.

The story is centered on a highly talented young artist in Brooklyn.  The parents of Asher Lev are loving Hasidic Jewish parents, but religion and art can conflict.  Asher Lev’s struggle to overcome his natural reticence and rebel against the beliefs of his parents is profound.  But his success at maintaining his personal faith and moral position without fear makes the play engaging to any audience.

Clark brings an excellent cast to the production.  Craig Musser, a graduating senior from OU’s prestigious School of Drama is making his Carpenter Square Theatre debut as Asher Lev and his performance is fresh and remarkably good.  The role of his father, Aryeh Lev is taken by Ben Hall who creates a heartwarming character for the father.  Also, Hall portrays Yitchok Lev with a definitive yet subtle difference.  The multiple roles also include The Rebbe and Jacob Kahn.  Hall is brilliant in each role and brings a separate distinction in each character with only a slight assist in costume.  TooToo Cirlot also has multiple roles, that of Asher Lev’s mother, Rivkeh Lev, Anna Schaeffer and Rachel.  Her performances are equally diverse in character development.  The program confirms what the eyes cannot quite fathom:  there are only three cast members in this play!

Clark’s thoughtful set design enhances the production and with the assistance of James Polk Wilson with set and lighting, A’Mari Jo Rocheleau as Stage Manager and Jaefinn Carr as Production Assistant, “My Name is Asher Lev” is an excellent production that should not be missed.   Carpenter Square Theatre has been producing wonderful theatre in Oklahoma City since being founded over 30 years ago, and this production is a perfect example of why Carpenter Square is such a success in the community.  The contributions of these actors in this production illustrate an important contribution to central Oklahoma in culture as well as entertainment.

Gracing the lobby for Carpenter Square is artist Okal Silver.  Her work is multi-media abstraction and is sold through MtnWoman Silver Studio.  The work is excellent and sets a mood for a play about an artist beautifully.

“My Name is Asher Lev” can be seen at Carpenter Square Theatre located at 800 W. Main in downtown Oklahoma City and runs through April 27.  Contact the box office at 405-232-6500 for tickets or check on line at www.carpentersquare.com.  This is one show that will entertain, educate and delight all audiences.

The Poteet Theatre at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church undertakes to present “Fences” through April 28, 2013.  Tinasha LaRaye is the vibrant young director who has assembled a terrific cast of talented actors to bring to life the characters in the Maxson circle of family and friends.  Brian C. Scott is Troy Maxson and his performance is powerful in his anguish.  Janice Francis Smith is wife Rose, and her interpretation is soft and lovely, yet sometimes hard to hear.  Robert Jamerson is teenage son Cory and he delineates the difference between what he must first overcome—his father—and what his father could not overcome distinctively.  KJ Rhodes as the eldest son Lyons, has an even more difficult task in developing the slight distinctions he faces and he carries his role with great aplomb.  J. Lamont Thomas is family friend Jim Bono, and his role is portrayed with great sensitivity.  Josiah Overstreet plays Gabriel, Troy Maxsons brother, disabled and confused from war injuries, yet with a wisdom all his own.  Maya Banks is delightful as the young daughter, Raynell.

Every single actor in this production displays flashes of brilliance that reach out to grab the audience and shake them from their complacency.  Unfortunately the characters do not mesh together well leaving gaps in the seams and gaping rents in the scenes.  After the first weekend of performance the gaps should mend naturally.  The hope in “Fences” should not be lost and with a little work on the flow, the play will have a great deal more relevancy.

The sets are, as usual for Poteet, delightful and the technical presentation is flawless.  LaRaye shows great potential as a director, and each and every actor in this production  creates wonderful, if separate characters.

The Poteet Theatre is located on the lower level of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church at 222 NW 15^th Street in Oklahoma City.  “Fences” can be seen through April 28^th and the curtain rises at 8pm Thursday through Saturday evenings with a Sunday 3pm matinee.  For ticket information visit www.poteettheatre.com or call 405-609-1023. 

The action takes place in the home of Donny and Brooke Williams.  Donny owns a small book store and Brooke is working for a company that has an opening for a vice president.  Brooke has invited the boss and his wife over for dinner to butter them up a little bit so that she may be considered for the position she has earned.  For the dinner to be perfect her friend and assistant at work, Julia and Julia’s boyfriend round out the guest list.  Brooke has hired a caterer to cook and serve the dinner expecting Caren the caterer to be helpful.  Donny has been followed home by a recently fired employee who also tries to be helpful in hopes of having his job at the bookstore restored.

Brooke Williams is delightfully played by Christine Jolly.  Tad Thurston is wonderful as Donny Williams.  Tiffany Tuggle-Rogers as the harried caterer is very funny and Dalton Thomas as Max, Donny’s former assistant, is poignantly amusing.  Allyson Rose as friend Julia is amusing and Clint Kubat as her boyfriend Stephen is the observant calm one maintaining his cool amidst the chaos.

Much of the first act in a farce involves the set up and “Dilemmas with Dinner” really gets going in the second act when the boss and his wife arrive at the Williams home for dinner.  Will is portrayed by James Tyra with a bit of deadpan humor that is insanely funny and Jackie Smola as Louise very nearly steals the show.  Smola is hysterically funny and so natural that she is believable.  Furthermore, in the coming together that takes place in the second act when everything is falling apart all of the actors exhibit the perfect timing and reaction that makes “Dilemmas with Dinner” a perfect evening of comedy at the theatre.

Don Taylor has certainly done an excellent job of staging for the Jewel Box Theatre space.  The set is beautiful and the actors all make excellent use of their surroundings.  The first row of seating at the Jewel Box is a little too close for audience members to appreciate the panoramic nuances in the action.  Just one tier of elevation gives room to capture some of those great little moments these actors present.

This production is the Oklahoma premiere of “Dilemmas with Dinner” and thanks to the Jewel Box for bringing this hilarious farce to the attention of Oklahomans who always appreciate a good laugh.  “Dilemmas with Dinner” plays through March 24, 2013 at the Jewel Box which is located in the First Christian Church, 3700 N. Walker.  For ticket information contact the box office at 405-521-1786 or visit www.jewelboxtheatre.org and don’t miss a great evening of highly comic farce!

As narrator, Jean Louse Finch is played by Gwendolyn Evans while her younger self is Alexandria  Grable. These two look and play very naturally as each other conquering beautifully the hesitancy some directors may have in using this version of the play.  Director W. Jerome Stevenson incorporates the characters with great sensitivity and Grable and Evans are excellent examples.

Atticus Finch is performed by James A. Hughes, a familiar face to Pollard audiences in an unfamiliar role.  These three lead the rest of the cast through the story effortlessly.  Exciting smaller roles are delightfully carried by David Fletcher-Hall as Bob Ewell and Emily Frances Brown as Mayella Ewell.  Fletcher-Hall’s interpretation beautifully illustrates the jealousy that accompanies prejudice and ignorance.  Brown reveals the cost of that ignorance and isolation as she demonstrates the damage her father has done to his family in her performance.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” has some great roles for women, and Stevenson cast great women in those roles.  De’Vin Lewis as Calpurnia is lovely, Beverly Caviness as Maudie Atkinson with Cory King as Stephanie Crawford and Jennifer Rosson as Mrs. Dubose create the typical small town power base that women often hold with wit and sincerity.

Tom Robinson, defendant and victim of racial discrimination is beautifully played by Rory Littleton.  The poignancy of his position is revealed in his demeanor as much as his delivery.  Ben Bates as Reverend Sykes, ministering to the needs of the black community is wise as well as comforting.  Lane Fields plays the small town southern Sheriff,  Heck Tate, as a man who brings a high moral standard to his position.  Clayton Blair as ‘Boo’ Radley is distinctive in his presentation.

Grable leads the other children in the production to great heights.  Matt Maloy is brother Jem and his performance is sensitive and secure. Harry Simpson plays Dill, the young scamp visiting and longing for acceptance.  Simpson has great timing, a skill not often revealed in such a young actor.

The ability to project is specifically appreciated in the performance of Harry Simpson as Dill and David Fletcher-Hall as Bob Ewell.  The audience has a difficult time hearing the dialogue of the other actors due to a combination of dialect and speed as well as low audio.  They will be better understood as they slow down for upcoming performances and hopefully their microphones will be tuned a notch higher.  But good projection is always the best answer, and young Simpson particularly should be congratulated for his ability. Some viewers may quarrel with Stevenson’s interpretation as Hughes plays Atticus Finch with an air of regret and martyrdom that those who love this story will find uncomfortable or disappointing.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” presented by Jeff & Carol Hirzel plays at The Pollard Theatre in downtown Guthrie through March 16, 2013.  The Pollard is located at 120 W. Harrison and the curtain comes up at 8:00pm with Sunday matinees at 2:00pm.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.thepollard.org or call 405-282-2800

Author Linda McDonald is well known as an actress, director and playwright. “Crimes of Redemption,” expresses a decided flair for the dramatic in an unusual and interesting manner. This first novel reads like a classic ‘whodunit’ but it’s certainly not a question of who committed any crime. Instead this is a ‘whydunit’ in which the reader needs to figure out who the victim really is and whether or not the crime in question should be considered manslaughter, self-defense, justifiable homicide or even accidental death.

Is Gayla Early a victim or an opportunist? Is Sheriff Maynard a law enforcement officer or a man conflicted about his duty? Is Willie Morris a cranky old lady or a wise old owl? Can the three of them find places in a world so suspicious of eccentricity and shades of gray? “Crimes of Redemption” is full of adventure, suspense and drama. McDonald reflects the modern American love for the antihero and creates flawed but lovable characters as her readers chase through a book full of antagonists running in the wrong direction.

There are many moral questions raised in “Crimes of Redemption”, but these moral dilemmas are left for the reader to analyze and judge. McDonald raises questions about the system, and whether or not justice is too rigid as well as blind.  “Crimes of Redemption” is a great opportunity for readers to reaffirm their own philosophies with a very enjoyable read.  Questions are raised for the reader about our imperfect justice system, our failing educational system and our society driven by greed, self-interest, short term Band-Aids and long term denial. One questions whether justice should be blind—and does that mean that we should also be blind?  McDonald’s writing is vivid, flowing and logical. Many suspense novels are hard to follow as the author attempts to trick and twist the reader’s impressions. McDonald’s style allows the reader to comfortably understand the action without sacrificing one moment of suspense or the dilemma the characters face.

Linda McDonald is a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award in the fiction category.  There are seven finalists for the award and McDonald is in excellent company with the nomination.  ”Crimes of Redemption” can be found in many bookstores here in Oklahoma and elsewhere and is printed by Roadrunner Press, a successful new publishing house located here in Oklahoma City. In addition to the national chains, a favorite local bookstore, Best of Books in Edmond, Oklahoma will be hosting a signing for McDonald Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 1PM to 2:30PM.  Best of Books is located at 1313 E. Danforth in Edmond.  Following that there is another book signing for McDonald at Full Circle Book Store in 50 Penn Place on March 28. This will take place from 6:30PM to 8PM Thursday evening. For further information about these book signings or any questions regarding other fine books feel free to call Best of Books at 405-340-9202 or Full Circle at 405-842-2900. March is frequently ushered in with bluster and rain, so, hoping for a rainy weekend, come browse the great selection at Best of Books on Saturday, the second day of March or Full Circle at the end of the month and meet an exceptional new novelist from our neck of the woods–Linda McDonald.

The character Venable plays is Everyman, and Venable is every man who celebrates, along with the French, ‘vive la différence!’ He shows tenderness towards the female as she talks through her life while her male partner silently observes.  And in doing so, Venable makes the key visible.  Laughter is that key and the audience laughs at him, with him and at themselves as well.  That’s because the battle between the sexes is about a naturally funny situation that can easily turn tragic when couples do not recognize one another with grace.  “Defending the Caveman” is the perfect show for couples and a great treat for Valentine ’s Day.  That is not to say that only couples enjoy the show.  A son can better understand a mother and a father can better understand a daughter.  A boss can better understand an employee, and an Oklahoman can better understand a Texan. Above all, a lover can understand and appreciate a lover.

Caveman John Venable is a renowned actor from Dallas, regionally based across the Red River and his Texas roots become universal.  His performance reveals an in depth knowledge of acting and all the nuances actors use to reveal the humanity of their characters.

Don Jordan, Artistic Director of CityRep has brought us an exceptional evening with “Defending the Caveman” and this allows us to laugh just a little more and with just a little heartier sound.  A giggle becomes a chuckle, a chuckle becomes an exhilarating guffaw that is most infectious.

“Defending the Caveman” plays at the Freede Theatre in the Civic Center Music Hall at 201 N. Walker in downtown Oklahoma City.  Curtain is at 7:30Pm, not 8PM, to facilitate parking for patrons, and matinees are at 1:30.  Call the CityRep box office number, 405-848-3761, for ticket information and to ask about the special Valentine’s Day presentation this coming Thursday, February 14, 2013.  Laugh yourself silly and fall in love all over again.

Two sisters, Lenore and Margaret (called  Lenny and Meg) must rally round the third sister and her tragic difficulty. Rebecca is the youngest sister, called Babe by the family. Her husband has been shot and she is presumed guilty as she admits to pulling the trigger. The eldest sister, Lenny, has remained single and stayed at home to care for the ailing grandfather who is in the hospital recovering from a series of strokes. Meg has been pursuing a singing career with little success and only returns as the result of Lenny’s frantic telegram. Babe is in limbo of course and will give no reason for her desperate action. This is quite a reunion for the three young women and it is certainly understandable that no one remembers Lenny’s birthday.

Cousin Chick is the other granddaughter who glories in the misfortunes of her cousins. Also part of the story is Doc, a former boyfriend of Meg’s who has remained a friend of the family. Barnett is the young lawyer retained to defend Babe as she has been charged with attempted murder for the shooting of her husband. The interaction with the six characters as they deal with the tragic issues of this very dysfunctional family is smooth and natural.

Rachel Irick does an exceptional job in staging “Crimes of the Heart” and her cast creates believably flawed and sympathetic characters. J. Collin Spring is Doc and his performance is controlled and accurately represents the common southern man with dignity. Barnett, the eager young lawyer determined to vindicate Babe is played by Kyle Reed, making his first onstage appearance with the Oklahoma City Theatre Company. His performance is a welcome addition. Peggy Free is also new to the OKCTC stage. Her performance as the very unsympathetic and shallow cousin Chick, is excellent as she lends credibility to a character that could easily be a caricature.

“Crimes of the Heart” is a tear jerker requiring a voluminous handkerchief from the men’s department as the little hanky we women usually carry won’t cut it. The cast members portraying the three sisters are stars of the show shining through our tears. Valerie Compton also makes her OKCTC debut with “Crimes of the Heart” and her performance is thoughtful, connected and colorful. Compton is a definite asset to the Oklahoma City theater community. Michele Fields is a superb Meg and captures the flawed character with a nice tongue-in-cheek attitude that complements the other characters beautifully. The third sister, Babe, is delightfully portrayed by Keila Lorenc familiar to the audience of Frankenstein as Mary Shelley. As Babe, Lorenc displays versatility and charm.

Irick’s considered direction showcases these three excellent actresses beautifully in their starring roles for “Crimes of the Heart” and the supporting cast members complement the performances nicely. Lighting and set design by Scott Hynes matches the mood in the show perfectly. Jeff Karl is Sound Designer and works well with Stage Manager Kory Kight and Assistant Stage Manager Kyra Ruddy. Costumes by Christi Newbury reflect the lifestyle of the characters but seem a trifle ill-fitting in some cases yet not enough to distract from the quality of the actors’ performances.

“Crimes of the Heart” plays through February 17, 2013, at the Civic Center Music Hall in downtown Oklahoma City at 201 N.Walker. The CitySpace Theatre is located on the lower level of the Civic Center. For ticket information call the Civic Center box office at 405–297–2264. Oklahoma City Theatre Company also has tickets available online at www.okctc.org. Curtain is at 8 PM Friday and Saturday night and a Sunday 2 PM matinee.  Grab your hankies but don’t be surprised at the delightful bits of comic relief skillfully woven into “Crimes of the Heart” and delight in these excellent performances.