bobbyknndy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
chuan323's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
lexigoyette's review against another edition
3.0
For me, this play didn't follow through the way I would have liked it to. There were a lot of phone calls, which - in my opinion - should be used sparingly in plays. I liked the characters a lot, especially Babe, and while I enjoyed her subplot the most, I was a little distracted by what else was going on - especially Meg's plot - which were petty compared to what Babe was dealing with.
Overall, though, this is a good example of feminist theatre, passing the Bechdel test with flying colors and highlighting real issues women deal with, especially domestic abuse.
Overall, though, this is a good example of feminist theatre, passing the Bechdel test with flying colors and highlighting real issues women deal with, especially domestic abuse.
anjumstar's review against another edition
3.0
This was kind of disappointing. Crimes of the Heart is a pretty widely known play, so I was expecting more from it. But ultimately, very little happens. We don't see how a single things that's mentioned in the play ends up. So it makes me wonder why I read the whole thing or sat through a whole performance. It's not like there's some big lesson about life or mankind at the end of it. It's not like the characters are incredibly crafted like in a Tennesse William's plot-less play. No, this was just a whole lot of nothing with one interesting monologue that everyone and their mom has heard. No thanks.
That being said, I think it would be an okay play to act in or even see performed live. But reading it was not the best.
That being said, I think it would be an okay play to act in or even see performed live. But reading it was not the best.
spiderstapdance's review against another edition
4.0
Beth Henley has such an amazing touch for human relationships, and especially for genuine interactions between women who legitimately love one another. This play mixes humor and tragedy so beautifully. A must read.
lora_hogan's review against another edition
3.0
I remember first reading this in acting school for scene study class. Then it seemed like a juicy female-forward look at life in the South. In 2022 it seems a bit less entrancing. I do feel like the right director and cast could turn it on its head in modern times. It still is a juicy play for women, it still is a rare play that is frequently done BY a woman, but, especially, the handling of Babe’s relationship with Willie could do with a 2022 upgrade. All in all, still worth doing, worth reading and performing. May be best for scene study class, but I would love Beth Henley to do a revival and upgrade reflective for the world of today.
meg_thebrave's review against another edition
4.0
Really funny script. I would love to see a staged version of it. Some of it is so ridiculous but all of it is very good, and I love the focus on the sisters' relationships.
tscott907's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this play, but a lot of it didn’t work on the page. I wanted it to be longer and for us to see more of the sisters together. I would like to see this staged to see if the things I didn’t like get smoothed out in the hands of a capable director!