Reviewed by Tony Annicone
The fall show at the Orpheum Theatre in Foxboro is “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller. One of the definitions of crucible is severe test. “The Crucible” is a 1953 play and was originally called “The Chronicles of Sarah Good. It is the dramatized and partially fictional story of the Salem witch trials that took place in Massachusetts in 1692 and 93. Miller wrote the play as an allegory of the McCarthyism, when the U.S. government blacklisted accused communists but it is also current with the goings on in this country now, too. The play was first performed on Broadway on January 22, 1953 and won the Tony Award for Best Play. This exciting drama is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society with megalomaniac Judge Danforth ruling Salem with an iron fist. The story focuses on a young farmer, his wife, and a young servant girl who maliciously causes the wife’s arrest for witchcraft. The farmer brings the girl to court to admit the lie and it is here that the monstrous course of bigotry and deceit is terrifyingly depicted. The farmer, instead of saving his wife, finds himself also accused of witchcraft. Lori Beck infuses her cast with the energy to pull off these demanding roles which displays the hysteria of not only Salem but of the McCarthy hearings where they accused and condemned innocent as well as guilty people. There was absolutely no political freedom for the people of Salem. Sound familiar? This cast does an astounding joy with this dramatic show.
Lori’s blocking is excellent and the emotional impact of the show is still relevant after all these years.The unit set is by Kevin Boisse. Leading the cast is Mark Modena as John Procter. He plays the farmer who strayed from his wife, had an affair with the serving girl who now turns on both John and his wife. He delivers a topnotch performance especially in the last scene where he wavers back and forth on what he should do, making the decision to do the right thing. Cristina Cameron as Abigail is one of the villains of the show as she viciously destroys John and the entire stability of Salem by her vindictiveness. She is excellent as the leader of the girls and delivers a strong portrayal of this determined and head strong girl. Abigail had an affair with John Proctor and is very impressive where she turns the tables on Mary Warren who is about to reveal the true motives of the girls dancing in the woods. Kim Alessandro as Elizabeth Proctor delivers a strong performance as the wronged wife and she tugs at your heartstrings in this sympathetic role. Your heart breaks when she is confronted by the horrid Danforth into protecting her husband by not admitting his affair with Abigail. Kim is a terrific actress whom I have had the pleasure of directing in a murder mystery. Trevor Chapman as Reverend Hale, gives a powerful performance as the minister who thinks he knows all about who is a witch in the town. Later on he learns the error of his ways and then tries to stop the hysteria in the town from spinning out of control. Trevor delivers a multilayered performance in this role.
Reverend Parris is the first one in town to notice his own daughter’s strange behavior after being found in the woods. Alan Stavris as Parris finally admits he’s been wrong when he realizes Abigail deceived him, stole his money and ran away. His young daughter, Betty Parris is well played by 10 year old Maya Kessler. Another villain is the headstrong Judge Danforth who is hellbent on finding the witches. Doug MacGaskill is terrific in this role. He is cruel and merciless in browbeating people into submission. Once again sound like anyone in the current USA? Mary Warren is a prime example of being brow beaten into submission by both Abigail and Danforth. Hailey Cook plays the frightened girl, Mary Warren. She turns on John Proctor accusing him of bewitching her. Other strong performances are given by Amy Keegan as Ann Putnam, Francis Sheehan as Marshall Ezekiel Cheever and Alex Narcotta as Judge Hathorne. Kudos to one and all for making this show into a marvelous learning experience on what happens when one loses political freedom due to tyrannical zealots with narrow minds and the misguided antics of some head people. So for an exciting look back at the Puritans in Salem and hopefully we will learn from these mistakes in these uncertain times, be sure to catch “The Crucible” before time runs out.
THE CRUCIBLE (21-23 September)
Orpheum Theatre, 1 School St, Foxboro, MA
1(508)543-ARTS (2787) or www.orpheum.org
