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CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. - "Crimes of the Heart," presented by Mill River Players, strikes a fine balance of comedy and drama. The script by Beth Henley aptly demonstrates that even amid family drama, humor may be found.

The play revolves around the Magrath sisters and takes place in the Southern home of Lenny, the eldest. When youngest sister Babe shoots her husband, Lenny sends for middle sister Meg, who has left the family home to pursue a career in singing.

Director Janet Lynn has gathered a strong cast of actresses who resonate the sisterly bond between Lenny, Meg and Babe while bringing distinction to each character. Alyce Hagopian of South Attleboro is Lenny, the self-sacrificing sister of the family. Hagopian plays the role with motherly concern and an obsessive need to pick up after everyone, which she does quite well with just the right touch of humor. She makes her character quite real and identifiable for the audience particularly if you happen to be an older sister. Hagopian brings both humor and poignancy to the character as she tries to quietly celebrate her birthday by singing to herself several renditions of "Happy Birthday."

Making her debut as middle sister Meg, Deirdre Newbold brings a vulnerability to her role that I have not often witnessed in other productions. Her character is self-centered and a bit of a wild child that comes across well. Newbold displays the character's vulnerability in scenes referring to her granddaddy and ex-beau Doc Potter, which adds dimension to the character. You begin to understand why she ran from home.

However, it is Danielle Cameron's performance that is most surprising. Having only seen her in supporting roles or bit parts, Cameron comes into her own in the role of youngest sister Babe. Cameron proves her talent as an actress. When Babe reveals to Meg the real reason why she shot her husband, Cameron reveals the characters sense of desperation in her face and in her tone. One of her more comic, as well as tragic, scenes is when Babe attempts to commit suicide. Cameron carries this with the right balance of dramedy. The chemistry between the three women is most evident in scenes around the kitchen table as family skeletons are revealed. One scene that particularly resonates with their sisterly bond is in Act II after learning about Granddaddy's coma. Lenny (Hagopian) is exasperated with Meg for eating her birthday candy and Meg (Newbold) does well in hiding her true feelings for Granddaddy as Babe (Cameron) plays peacemaker. The women play off each other well thereby making their roles as siblings quite believable. The scene is both poignant and hilarious.

However, it is Marshall Duran in the role of snooty cousin Chick who has the funniest scene in the opening of Act I. Watching her squeeze into pantyhose that are supposedly too tight is a hoot.

Also outstanding in supporting roles are Ed Cooney as Meg's ex-beau, Doc Potter and Mill River newcomer John K McElroy II as Barnette Lloyd. Cooney plays the ex-beau with just the right balance of forgiveness and wariness when reunited with Meg. McElroy portrays Babe's smitten lawyer with enthusiasm for the case.

While the lives of the Magrath sisters are poignant and tragic throughout, "Crimes of the Heart" will make you laugh and reminds us that, as life unfolds, a bit of humor amid the drama just might be what helps keep us sane.

"Crimes of the Heart" continues weekends through Sunday, June 23 at Mill River Dinner Theatre, 499 High St., Central Falls, R.I. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. Show only performance at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 19. Call 401-721-0909 for reservations.