Synopsis: The brutal 1892 double homicide of Fall River, MA mill owner Andrew Borden and his second wife Abby shocked Victorian Americans. Suspicion quickly fell on Andrew's daughter Lizzie, resulting in a sensationalized trial and Lizzie's eventual acquittal. The most historically accurate play on the subject, 'Lizzie Borden Took an Axe' brings court transcripts and testimony of the horrific murders to dramatic life. Having inaugurated the company in 2010, 'Lizzie ...' celebrates 15 years of Covey Theater in Syracuse with this brand new production.

“Heater dabbles in theories that have accrued over the years about the killings, with hints of incest and hidden sexuality as well as tensions over the family fortune. He doesn’t lean heavily into any one possibility, but stitches them into a particularly American quilt. The skillful acting and graceful direction by the playwright create that quilt’s complex pattern.”

-Len Fonte, Syracuse Post-Standard, 2025

"I’ve seen several plays on the Borden case, including musicals, including a ballet, and so far, this is now my very favorite of all I’ve seen. I would see it again. And again. And if YOU haven’t – you should. Absolutely."

- Faye Musselman, TatteredFabric.com, 2011

"Of all the books and movies about the Lizzie Borden murder case, nothing cuts to the core as incisively as Garrett Heater’s new two-act play, 'Lizzie Borden Took an Axe.' What makes Heater’s play a true triumph is how it allows the facts to unfold bit by bit as untruths are concocted and evidence destroyed ... an attention-grabbing, swiftly paced two-hour performance that seizes you by the neck and doesn’t let go."

-Russ Tarby, Eagle News, 2010

"Garrett Heater’s original script raises more questions than answers, and that’s what it should do because the audience came for compelling intrigue, not historical dogma. And compelling it is, as well as historical."

- Tony Curulla, Syracuse Post-Strandard, 2010

"'Lizzie Borden' turns out to be quite a polished piece of work. Like the masters of the twentieth century golden age, Heater emphasizes layers of characterization, in which each person’s secret is revealed late in their narrative arcs. The role of Lizzie marks an enormous breakthrough for Jodi Bova."

-Jim MacKillop, Syracuse NewTimes, 2010

Bridge Street Interview with author/director Garrett August Heater and costumer Denise Heater HERE!

Lizzie Borden - Jodi Bova-Larham

Andrew Borden - Simon Moody

Abigail Borden - Kate Huddleston

Emma Borden - Carmen Viviano-Crafts

Uncle John V. Morse - Sean Wolf Galuszka

Bridget “Maggie” Sullivan - Sara Weiler

Dr. Seabury Bowen - Jordan Glaski

Alice Russell - Amy Bader

Adelaide Churchill - Aubry Ludington

Stage Direction by Garrett August Heater

Assistant Stage Direction by Janna Kozloski

Stage Manager and Properties by Imy Whyte

Technical Design by Andy Hughes

Sound & Projection Operation by V Blanco

Projections by Janna Kozloski

Costumes by Denise Heater

Wigs by Karen Procopio

Photography by AB Photography