Wandering theater group pins hopes on newest performance

By Becky Bosshart

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009 | 2:59 p.m.

The show will go on for Theatre in the Valley. Just not in one place.

The Henderson-based theater group is staging the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Crimes of the Heart" in three locations -- ranging from community centers to the Henderson Convention Center.

Since its genesis in 1993, the volunteer group has performed in borrowed spaces. For the last two years the company has struggled with finding even temporary production and rehearsal spaces. Company leaders are looking at downtown Henderson for its own black-box theater, but with a struggling economy, that may not happen any time soon. Until then, the group is making it work by leasing production space.

Director Jim Williams said despite the challenge of moving the set -- a kitchen in a middle-class Mississippi home -- three times, the six-member cast will accurately portray this black comedy about relational mayhem in a southern family. The production has two weekend runs in mid-February.

"They are committed and they're telling the story the way actors should," he said. "The cast are all volunteering their time and they're all professional. They want to tell the story and they want people to feel something."

Because of the availability of the first venue, the Sun City Anthem Center, the actors can't have a dress rehearsal in the performance space until Friday afternoon -- before the opening evening performance.

"Then we have to have it (the set) moved out Saturday morning, strike it and put it up again for Sunday at MacDonald Ranch," Williams said. "Then we have to strike it and go to Henderson the next Saturday."

The hope is that this production will raise enough money for a future theater.

"It (a theater) will be a great asset for downtown Henderson," Williams said.

The audience will, hopefully, leave chuckling, said Terri Gandy, who plays Meg Magrath in the play written by Beth Henley. The family is summoned home after one of the sisters, Babe, kills her abusive husband.

"It's about three women having a really bad day," said Gandy, who has been an actress since she was 5.

Just in time to celebrate love, "Crimes of the Heart" will be staged at the Sun City Anthem Center, 2450 Hampton Road, at 7 p.m. Feb. 13. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling 558-7275.

The play will show at the Sun City MacDonald Ranch Community Center, 2020 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, at 4 p.m. Feb. 15. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the center.

There will be two chances to see the play at the Henderson Convention Center, 200 Water St. -- at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 21. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door. Call 558-7275 to reserve tickets.

Becky Bosshart can be reached at 990-7748 or [email protected].