Play Explores Family Dynamic posted 11/30/07
Adrian College presents “Crimes of the Heart”, senior Deveny Lopinski dives in

ADRIAN, Mich. - The theatre department at Adrian College presents “Crimes of the Heart” Dec. 6 through Dec. 8 and senior Deveny Lopinski has a special interest in the production.

The students playing the parts of the three Magrath sisters practice their lines at rehearsal. From left to right: Deveny Lopinski - Meg Magrath, Savannah Lee - Lenny Magrath, Bridget Leary - Babe Magrath

Lopinski is using her role, which she auditioned for last summer, as basis for her senior project. Theatre students have the option of auditioning for one of the leads in any play their senior year and use it towards their senior project. They need to research their character and apply it to the production, write a paper on their topic, and present an oral defense.

According to Lopinski, students are not guaranteed the role just because they are looking to use it as their senior project. Students have to earn the role and they need to make arrangements with the director in advance.

"Crimes of the Heart" is a Pulitzer Prize- winning story written by Beth Henley. At the core of this melodramatic comedy are the three Magrath sisters who reunite at their grandfather's home when the youngest shoots her abusive husband.

The story unfolds as these young women try to escape their dysfunctional pasts to seize their futures. The play is filled with humanity and humor while it examines the lives of the sisters who are betrayed by their very own passions. Lopinski plays the role of middle sister, Meg Magrath, who fights the image of a young southern belle.

“She is very rebellious. She drinks, smokes, and runs away from responsibility,” says Lopinski.

Lopinski has been studying the characterization of her part for awhile in order to really ‘become Meg’ on stage.

“I studied all the habits and tricks she portrays and I believe this character actually suffers from a psychological disorder,” says Lopinski.

Lopinski is an arts management major with a focus on theatre and a minor in music. She plans to graduate in the spring and hopes to stay involved with theatre.

The play will show in Downs Hall Theatre with Thursday and Friday performances at 8 P.M. and Saturday performances at 2 P.M. and 8 P.M. Tickets are $7 for the general public and $5 for students and faculty. Further information may be obtained by calling (517) 264-3922.

The following students are also performing in this play:

Bridget Leary is a resident of Bloomfield Hills, Mich. and is a graduate from Lahser High School. Bridget is playing the role of Babe and is currently a junior at Adrian College majoring in Musical Theatre.

Cody Barnett is a resident of Morenci, Mich. and is a graduate from Morenci High School. Cody is playing the role of Doc and is currently a freshman at Adrian College.

Eric Hohnke is a resident of Chelsea, Mich. and is a graduate from Chelsea High School. Eric is playing the role of Barnette and is currently a freshman at Adrian College.

Laura Shank is a resident of Caledonia, Mich. and is a graduate from Caledonia High School. Laura is playing the role of Chick and is currently a sophomore at Adrian College.

Savannah Lee is a resident of Utica, Mich. and is a graduate from Utica High School. Savannah is playing the role of Lenny and is currently a senior at Adrian College majoring in Theatre and Mass Mediated Communications.