The show opens on Friday, Feb. 21 with additional performances Feb. 22, 23, 28 and March 1 and 2. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

Tickets

Admission is $18 for adults and $15 for teens. Advance tickets are available on Eventbrite. Find ticket links at BandonPlayhouse.org or on the Bandon Playhouse Facebook page. Tickets are also available at the door. The Sprague Community Theater is located at 1202 11th St. SW in Bandon City Park. This production includes mature themes, and strong language, and is recommended for teen and adult audiences.

Friday, Feb. 21 is pay-what-you-can evening. Those who wish to pay more or less than the suggested price may purchase tickets at the door the evening of the performance.

More About the Show

“‘Crimes of the Heart’ won a Pulitzer Prize in 1981. It’s easy to see why. Even though the story takes place in the ‘70s, it’s relatable to every person who has ever had to negotiate their way through difficult family circumstances,” said director Sandra Heinzmann.

The play opens as three sisters gather in rural Mississippi following news that their grandfather may soon pass away. As the impromptu family reunion progresses, the sisters squabble over past resentments and find solace in each other’s company as they confront their own imperfections and crimes of the heart.

Bandon Playhouse has provided the best in community theater, from classic musicals to premiere works by new playwrights, since 1976. Bandon Playhouse volunteers are proud to keep the performing arts alive and accessible on the Southern Oregon Coast. For more information about this production, visit BandonPlayhouse.org.

The show opens on Friday, Feb. 21 with additional performances Feb. 22, 23, 28 and March 1 and 2. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

Tickets

Admission is $18 for adults and $15 for teens. Advance tickets are available on Eventbrite. Find ticket links at BandonPlayhouse.org or on the Bandon Playhouse Facebook page. Tickets are also available at the door. The Sprague Community Theater is located at 1202 11th St. SW in Bandon City Park. This production includes mature themes, and strong language, and is recommended for teen and adult audiences.

Friday, Feb. 21 is pay-what-you-can evening. Those who wish to pay more or less than the suggested price may purchase tickets at the door the evening of the performance.

More About the Show

“‘Crimes of the Heart’ won a Pulitzer Prize in 1981. It’s easy to see why. Even though the story takes place in the ‘70s, it’s relatable to every person who has ever had to negotiate their way through difficult family circumstances,” said director Sandra Heinzmann.

The play opens as three sisters gather in rural Mississippi following news that their grandfather may soon pass away. As the impromptu family reunion progresses, the sisters squabble over past resentments and find solace in each other’s company as they confront their own imperfections and crimes of the heart.

Bandon Playhouse has provided the best in community theater, from classic musicals to premiere works by new playwrights, since 1976. Bandon Playhouse volunteers are proud to keep the performing arts alive and accessible on the Southern Oregon Coast. For more information about this production, visit BandonPlayhouse.org.

The show opens on Friday, Feb. 21 with additional performances Feb. 22, 23, 28 and March 1 and 2. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

Tickets

Admission is $18 for adults and $15 for teens. Advance tickets are available on Eventbrite. Find ticket links at BandonPlayhouse.org or on the Bandon Playhouse Facebook page. Tickets are also available at the door. The Sprague Community Theater is located at 1202 11th St. SW in Bandon City Park. This production includes mature themes, and strong language, and is recommended for teen and adult audiences.

Friday, Feb. 21 is pay-what-you-can evening. Those who wish to pay more or less than the suggested price may purchase tickets at the door the evening of the performance.

More About the Show

“‘Crimes of the Heart’ won a Pulitzer Prize in 1981. It’s easy to see why. Even though the story takes place in the ‘70s, it’s relatable to every person who has ever had to negotiate their way through difficult family circumstances,” said director Sandra Heinzmann.

The play opens as three sisters gather in rural Mississippi following news that their grandfather may soon pass away. As the impromptu family reunion progresses, the sisters squabble over past resentments and find solace in each other’s company as they confront their own imperfections and crimes of the heart.

Bandon Playhouse has provided the best in community theater, from classic musicals to premiere works by new playwrights, since 1976. Bandon Playhouse volunteers are proud to keep the performing arts alive and accessible on the Southern Oregon Coast. For more information about this production, visit BandonPlayhouse.org.

The show opens on Friday, Feb. 21 with additional performances Feb. 22, 23, 28 and March 1 and 2. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

Tickets

Admission is $18 for adults and $15 for teens. Advance tickets are available on Eventbrite. Find ticket links at BandonPlayhouse.org or on the Bandon Playhouse Facebook page. Tickets are also available at the door. The Sprague Community Theater is located at 1202 11th St. SW in Bandon City Park. This production includes mature themes, and strong language, and is recommended for teen and adult audiences.

Friday, Feb. 21 is pay-what-you-can evening. Those who wish to pay more or less than the suggested price may purchase tickets at the door the evening of the performance.

More About the Show

“‘Crimes of the Heart’ won a Pulitzer Prize in 1981. It’s easy to see why. Even though the story takes place in the ‘70s, it’s relatable to every person who has ever had to negotiate their way through difficult family circumstances,” said director Sandra Heinzmann.

The play opens as three sisters gather in rural Mississippi following news that their grandfather may soon pass away. As the impromptu family reunion progresses, the sisters squabble over past resentments and find solace in each other’s company as they confront their own imperfections and crimes of the heart.

Bandon Playhouse has provided the best in community theater, from classic musicals to premiere works by new playwrights, since 1976. Bandon Playhouse volunteers are proud to keep the performing arts alive and accessible on the Southern Oregon Coast. For more information about this production, visit BandonPlayhouse.org.

The show opens on Friday, Feb. 21 with additional performances Feb. 22, 23, 28 and March 1 and 2. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

Tickets

Admission is $18 for adults and $15 for teens. Advance tickets are available on Eventbrite. Find ticket links at BandonPlayhouse.org or on the Bandon Playhouse Facebook page. Tickets are also available at the door. The Sprague Community Theater is located at 1202 11th St. SW in Bandon City Park. This production includes mature themes, and strong language, and is recommended for teen and adult audiences.

Friday, Feb. 21 is pay-what-you-can evening. Those who wish to pay more or less than the suggested price may purchase tickets at the door the evening of the performance.

More About the Show

“‘Crimes of the Heart’ won a Pulitzer Prize in 1981. It’s easy to see why. Even though the story takes place in the ‘70s, it’s relatable to every person who has ever had to negotiate their way through difficult family circumstances,” said director Sandra Heinzmann.

The play opens as three sisters gather in rural Mississippi following news that their grandfather may soon pass away. As the impromptu family reunion progresses, the sisters squabble over past resentments and find solace in each other’s company as they confront their own imperfections and crimes of the heart.

Bandon Playhouse has provided the best in community theater, from classic musicals to premiere works by new playwrights, since 1976. Bandon Playhouse volunteers are proud to keep the performing arts alive and accessible on the Southern Oregon Coast. For more information about this production, visit BandonPlayhouse.org.

The show opens on Friday, Feb. 21 with additional performances Feb. 22, 23, 28 and March 1 and 2. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

Tickets

Admission is $18 for adults and $15 for teens. Advance tickets are available on Eventbrite. Find ticket links at BandonPlayhouse.org or on the Bandon Playhouse Facebook page. Tickets are also available at the door. The Sprague Community Theater is located at 1202 11th St. SW in Bandon City Park. This production includes mature themes, and strong language, and is recommended for teen and adult audiences.

Friday, Feb. 21 is pay-what-you-can evening. Those who wish to pay more or less than the suggested price may purchase tickets at the door the evening of the performance.

More About the Show

“‘Crimes of the Heart’ won a Pulitzer Prize in 1981. It’s easy to see why. Even though the story takes place in the ‘70s, it’s relatable to every person who has ever had to negotiate their way through difficult family circumstances,” said director Sandra Heinzmann.

The play opens as three sisters gather in rural Mississippi following news that their grandfather may soon pass away. As the impromptu family reunion progresses, the sisters squabble over past resentments and find solace in each other’s company as they confront their own imperfections and crimes of the heart.

Bandon Playhouse has provided the best in community theater, from classic musicals to premiere works by new playwrights, since 1976. Bandon Playhouse volunteers are proud to keep the performing arts alive and accessible on the Southern Oregon Coast. For more information about this production, visit BandonPlayhouse.org.

Come play with Bandon Playhouse! Cast and crew are invited to audition for the award-winning play, “Crimes of the Heart,” written by Beth Henley and directed by Sandra Heinzmann with assistant director Corrie Gant. Auditions will be held at the Sprague Community Theater, 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, and at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. Roles are available for performers age 18 and older.

Actors auditioning for performance roles are invited to prepare a brief reading or monologue from any source, (approximately one minute), and read from the play. Sections from the play will be provided. Those interested in crew roles may also stop by. Rehearsals for “Crimes of the Heart” are scheduled for January and February 2025 with performances two weekends at the Sprague Community Theater on February 14 – 16 and 21 – 23, 2025.

Warm-hearted and imaginative, the dramatic comedy “Crimes of the Heart” won a 1981 Pulitzer Prize and New York Drama Critics Circle Award, along with a Tony Award nomination, and established playwright Beth Henley as a major voice in American theater.

The play opens as three sisters gather in rural Mississippi following news that their grandfather may soon pass away. Lenny, the eldest, is grappling with waning hopes for romantic prospects. Meg is back home following a fizzled attempt to launch a singing career on the West Coast. The youngest sister, Babe, is on bail and facing criminal charges. Rounding out the cast are cousin Chick, Babe’s attorney Barnette, and family friend Doc. 

As the impromptu family reunion progresses, the sisters squabble over past resentments and find solace in each other’s company as they confront their own imperfections and crimes of the heart.

“I love this play because it’s beautifully written. It focuses on women with deep, intimate relationships, and it’s very human. The characters are quirky, but they’re believable,” said director Sandra Heinzmann.

Heinzmann earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from the University of California, Davis. For more than 30 years, she worked as a professor of theater, also acting in and directing plays throughout the United States and internationally. She is especially drawn to contemporary and experimental work, female voices in literature, multimedia performance, and (of course), Shakespeare.

Heinzmann moved to Bandon in 2021 with her husband Peter. Since then, she has joined the Art by the Sea Gallery and Studio where she showcases clay pieces and pottery. She served as a board member for Bandon Playhouse in 2023 – 2024.

“One of the elements I appreciate most about directing is watching actors bring stories to life,” said Heinzmann, adding, “I enjoy setting up situations that bring out the best in the actor and the character– and the camaraderie you experience working on a project together.”

Bandon Playhouse has provided the best in community theater, from classic musicals to premiere works by new playwrights, since 1976. Bandon Playhouse volunteers are proud to keep the performing arts alive and accessible on the Southern Oregon Coast. 

There is no cost to audition. Those who join the cast and crew are asked to join Bandon Playhouse. Annual membership is $5 for individuals. For more information, including audition materials, visit BandonPlayhouse.org, or call 541-290-8046.

Come play with Bandon Playhouse! Cast and crew are invited to audition for the award-winning play, “Crimes of the Heart,” written by Beth Henley and directed by Sandra Heinzmann with assistant director Corrie Gant. Auditions will be held at the Sprague Community Theater, 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, and at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. Roles are available for performers age 18 and older.

Actors auditioning for performance roles are invited to prepare a brief reading or monologue from any source, (approximately one minute), and read from the play. Sections from the play will be provided. Those interested in crew roles may also stop by. Rehearsals for “Crimes of the Heart” are scheduled for January and February 2025 with performances two weekends at the Sprague Community Theater on February 14 – 16 and 21 – 23, 2025.

Warm-hearted and imaginative, the dramatic comedy “Crimes of the Heart” won a 1981 Pulitzer Prize and New York Drama Critics Circle Award, along with a Tony Award nomination, and established playwright Beth Henley as a major voice in American theater.

The play opens as three sisters gather in rural Mississippi following news that their grandfather may soon pass away. Lenny, the eldest, is grappling with waning hopes for romantic prospects. Meg is back home following a fizzled attempt to launch a singing career on the West Coast. The youngest sister, Babe, is on bail and facing criminal charges. Rounding out the cast are cousin Chick, Babe’s attorney Barnette, and family friend Doc. 

As the impromptu family reunion progresses, the sisters squabble over past resentments and find solace in each other’s company as they confront their own imperfections and crimes of the heart.

“I love this play because it’s beautifully written. It focuses on women with deep, intimate relationships, and it’s very human. The characters are quirky, but they’re believable,” said director Sandra Heinzmann.

Heinzmann earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from the University of California, Davis. For more than 30 years, she worked as a professor of theater, also acting in and directing plays throughout the United States and internationally. She is especially drawn to contemporary and experimental work, female voices in literature, multimedia performance, and (of course), Shakespeare.

Heinzmann moved to Bandon in 2021 with her husband Peter. Since then, she has joined the Art by the Sea Gallery and Studio where she showcases clay pieces and pottery. She served as a board member for Bandon Playhouse in 2023 – 2024.

“One of the elements I appreciate most about directing is watching actors bring stories to life,” said Heinzmann, adding, “I enjoy setting up situations that bring out the best in the actor and the character– and the camaraderie you experience working on a project together.”

Bandon Playhouse has provided the best in community theater, from classic musicals to premiere works by new playwrights, since 1976. Bandon Playhouse volunteers are proud to keep the performing arts alive and accessible on the Southern Oregon Coast. 

There is no cost to audition. Those who join the cast and crew are asked to join Bandon Playhouse. Annual membership is $5 for individuals. For more information, including audition materials, visit BandonPlayhouse.org, or call 541-290-8046.

Bandon’s past and present collide in “Coquille River Anthology,” a new comedy-drama, premiering November 1, written by Neal Davis and presented by the Bandon Playhouse.

A sickly woman, cared for by her grandson, is visited by four ghosts from Bandon’s past. As they share their unique stories, they try to help her resolve her own life conflicts before it’s too late. Using actual historical narratives, “Coquille River Anthology” reveals lesser-known moments from Bandon’s exciting history that helped create a community that lasts beyond life.

This is the third play written by Neal Davis (“Murder at Two Mile,” “Bandon Burns!”) with the assistance of the Bandon Historical Society Museum. “Coquille River Anthology” is directed by Mike Dempsey and features actors Bobbi Neason, Corrie Gant, Nameer el-Kadi, Meara Stadelman, Amy Moss Strong, and Grant Goodwin.

Performances will be held at the Wheelhouse Restaurant, Gallery Room, at 125 Chicago Ave SE in downtown Bandon. Seating is limited and preordering tickets is recommended. Performances are November 1, 2, 3 and 8, 9, 10. Friday and Saturday curtains are at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

The Wheelhouse Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner on all performance dates. Call 541-347-9331 for dining reservations.

For ticket information and sales to “Coquille River Anthology,” visit BandonPlayhouse.org.

Article contributed by Amy Moss Strong with photos by Geneva Miller for Bandon Playhouse.

Young actors are invited to audition on Friday, Oct. 4, from 5 – 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Adults are invited to audition on Friday, Oct. 4, from 7 – 9 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 5, from 1 – 3 p.m.

All auditions will be held at the Sprague Community Theater. Actors should be prepared to tell a joke (or two) or they may share a funny story. We will also ask them to read together from the script.

Find character descriptions, scenes and rehearsal information at BandonPlayhouse.org.

Performances are scheduled two weekends, Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1, 6, 7, 8.

Humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even
Santa Claus himself, at Higbee’s Department Store.

The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out!”

All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking; Ralphie’s fantasy scenarios and more. “A Christmas Story” is destined to become a theatrical holiday perennial.