Your Theatre to present 'Crimes of the Heart' with a modern twist. Here's what to expect.

NEW BEDFORD — On March 1, Your Theatre is presenting "Crimes of the Heart," a play that continues to stand the test of time for the past 50 years. But for this production, Director Brienne Riccio has a twist up her sleeve for the audience on March 1.

For Riccio, this production holds a special significance as it marks her first full-length play as a director. Having been a part of Your Theatre for the last decade, starting out as a stage manager and then moving on to directing showcases and short plays, she is ecstatic to share this production with the audience.

"I had suggested over 20 different options because I really wanted to direct, but "Crimes of the Heart" was one that I remember reading in college and being really attracted to some of the monologues," she said.

"As someone who went to school for theater, I was always on the lookout for good monologues and even wrote them for others. The one in this play about the youngest sister shooting her husband really stuck with me."

A play all about the bond of sisterhood

Beth Henley's "Crimes of the Heart" follows the story of three sisters who are brought together after the youngest sister shoots her husband. "It's about sisterhood and I come from a family of three sisters, so I immediately related to the dynamics and emotional complexities that come with it," Riccio said.

"It's something that anyone with a sibling can relate to, and that was what drew me to the play."

Since its debut in 1979, Henley's writing showcases the complexities of familial relationships and the resilience of the human spirit. One of the most significant strengths of the play, according to Riccio, is its relatable and authentic characters.

"Each sister is unique in their own way that make them lovable and real," she added.

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But as Riccio kept rereading the play, while preparing to direct for Your Theatre, she admitted said she couldn't help but feel that it was somewhat outdated and was concerned about how it would be received by a modern audience.

Thus, Riccio decided to flip the script and have her cast swap the genders and perform the characters in full drag.

Deciding to perform the show in drag

"As someone who is also a playwright, I have a philosophy when it comes to my art. I want to represent underrepresented voices and create a diverse and inclusive stage," she said. "That is something I always strive for, and it's also something that is reflected in the shows I choose to direct."

She said deciding to dress everyone in drag was this puzzle piece that connected all her goals and it represents herself as a queer artist.

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Working with cast members Moses Galarza, Zara Lemieux, Richie Oliver, Katie Gregory, Adriana Misteroni and Danny Sallom, Riccio said the cast has fully embodied their roles and are excited to portray the play in this new kind of form.

"They have such a way of finding humor in so much. I am so proud of them. It's been a really crazy experience and we've just enjoyed it," Riccio said.

Riccio added that she also reached out to friends with more experience in the drag community to help guide her in this venture.

Hoping to modernize a story that stands the test of time

"I wanted to talk to drag queens and make sure we were being sensitive," she said. "And we've got cast members who are members of the LGBT community and who have a range of experience with drag — two out of the three sisters have actual experience doing drag shows."

Riccio hopes "Crimes of the Heart" will be a thought-provoking, heartwarming and insightful experience for the audience. "We have the opportunity to do something really cool here," she said.

"I really can't wait to see what people think."

The show runs at Steeple Playhouse at 159 William Street on Friday and Saturday, March 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. and March 8 and March 9 at 7:30 p.m.. As well as Saturday and Sunday, March 2 and 3 and March 9 and 10 at 2 p.m. To make reservations please call 508-993-0772 or email BoxOffice or at yourtheatre.org

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter:@ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Your Theatre in New Bedford, 'Crimes of the Heart' performs in drag