Never the Sinner

Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb shocked Chicago when they murdered Robert Franks, a fourteen-year-old relative of Loeb's. When the two were caught they became an American scandal. Wealthy, well-educated, attractive and charming, the two friends didn't seem like the typical murderers. The more that was revealed about them, the more horripilated the public became. Followers of Nietzsche, the duo believed they were beyond law and morality and could kill without fear of punishment. Driven by their love for each other and their ever-escalating need to thrill, they seemed to be beautiful monsters. John Logan's drama Never the Sinner uses original research and a keen eye for human nature to explore the psychology of young, well-to-do thrillkillers. New Jewish Theatre presents Never the Sinner at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday (March 16 to April 2) at the Wool Studio Theatre on the campus of the Jewish Community Center (2 Millstone Drive, Creve Coeur; www.newjewishtheatre.org). Tickets are $39.50 to $43.50.