The Crucible
That Old Black Magic Has Us in Its Spell…
Much as I hate to admit it, I’ve always somehow managed to miss Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. Debuting in 1953, it’s become a cornerstone of American Theater and it’s usually not hard to find a production locally every season be it at a local college or high school with chutzpah.
So, recently 70 years later, I found myself at the Mercyhurst Theatre Program’s production of this landmark show.
Better late than never, right?
Based in part on actual people and the Salem witchcraft trials of 1692-93, The Crucible tells the tale of citizens brought down by the threat of witchcraft polluting their small puritanical hamlet; but in actuality, it’s their own base ambitions and ignoble motivations that spur lies and unfounded accusations that destroy their neighbor’s lives: jealousy, greed and revenge et cetera. Reflecting the McCarthyism/Red Scare of the 1950’s made this show even more powerful when initially produced.
Dr. Doug Powers directs a strong cast that pull the theatergoer into the drama, where false words from anyone can bring jail time, stiff punishments, torture or execution. No deus ex machina for the Salem residents.
Dr. Brett D. Johnson role as Reverend John Hale, a minister and who initially supported the witch trials, yet ultimately rejected them, provides a beacon of sanity within the show, while Owen Hitt’s performances as the stately, stern Judge Hathorne is his opposite, providing no quarter or mercy towards the accused. A cranky, fearless unbending older citizen, Giles Corey, as played by Ben Vacca, offers up a few necessary laughs within the play.
More than Bella Lee’s compelling rendition as Tituba, an enslaved woman who admitted to guiding the girls and young women in witchcraft, it’s Ali Forsythe’s role as Abigail Williams, who serves as actual she-devil of the community. As her vengeance against the Proctors and ringleader of the coven-in-training, she fluctuates towards innocence in the presence of religious leaders and witch hunters who seek those who poison the tiny community.
However, it’s Braden Rosciszewski’s portrayal as John Proctor that unites cast and audience members alike. As a farmer and husband accused of witchcraft, hiding a secret affair with Abigail Williams while professing his love to his wife, Elizabeth, also accused of witchcraft, Proctor has the tenacity to speak out and defend himself and his wife against groundless accusations. Rosciszewski’s performance is the main mast of a ship of actors who perform in this maelstrom of tragedy.
Yes, The Crucible is a classic of American theater. Yet call me an iconoclast (Look it up on your phones, dearies!) but by the time the third scene of the second act rolled around, I found the show, well, dragging. Sitting in the back, I noticed I wasn’t the only one checking their watch or phone for the time. Hate me? Don’t. At least I didn’t bail at intermission like my seat row companion; Thea stuck it out to a conclusion where Salem and its citizens were decimated.
Whoops! (Spoiler alert really necessary?)
That said, this gal still looks forward to checking out more of the Erie area’s theater in the future”as per the Guru’s inclination, of course.
See you in the balcony!
***Thea Tah
The Crucible runs through March 26. For more information, visit the MIAC website.
