Edison Stagelight Players Raven Boerger, Chris Garner, Zaidee Himes, Sean McSwain, and Sandy Hartley rehearse lines for their upcoming performance of Arthur Miller's The Crucible. |
Set in seventeenth-century Salem, Massachusetts, The Crucible is a story based upon true events of the Salem witch trials. The Village of Salem falls to shambles when rumors spread that a group of women are practicing witchcraft. Jealousy and deceit contribute to petrifying outcome that reflects both the past and the future.
Known as a riveting historical play and a timely allegory of contemporary society, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is the winner of the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play.
Director Matthew Beisner is enthusiastic about producing this classic play. “I have wanted to direct this show for years. It’s a masterpiece of modern American theater.”
“Most people know that the play was written as an allegory to McCarthyism,” said Beisner. “Its true subject is the political hysteria and figurative witch hunting in the 1950s, when anti-Communist radicals like Senator Joseph McCarthy and the House Committee on Un-American Activities controlled the land.”
“The Crucible has been politically relevant since it was written, but social media and the digital age have made this play more timely than ever. So I thought it was the right time to finally bring it to the stage.”
ESP newcomers Steven Farris as John Proctor, Raven Boerger as Abigail Williams, and Ryan Hurley as Reverend Hale will play the lead roles. While veterans round out the other leading roles, including Emily Beisner as Elizabeth Proctor, Matt Cline as Deputy Governor Danforth, Chris Garner as Reverend Parris, and Jocelyn Garner as Mary Warren.
“We are very fortunate to have their talents in these important roles,” added Beisner.
Also new to the ESP are Allison Nicodemus, Craig Gilbert, Melinda Spivey, and Sean McSwain in supporting roles. The rest of the cast is rounded out with veteran ESP performers Jessica Peoppelman, Zaidee Himes, Clarissa Kiehl, Sandy Hartley, Kevin Grogean, Josh Didier, Patrick Stone, and Paul Simmons.
“This is one of the best casts I’ve ever worked with,” said Beisner. “They are all very committed to the show and trust my judgment as the director. Their hard work will be quite apparent in the final performances. I can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”
Performances will be held Friday, October 27; Saturday, October 28; Friday, November 3; Saturday, November 4 at 7:30 p.m. each night. A special matinee performance will be held on Sunday, November 5 at 3:00 p.m.
Tickets for the show are seven dollars for adults, five dollars for students, and three dollars for seniors and are available for purchase with cash at the door. Children under five are not permitted into the theater during the performance. For more information, call 937.778.8600.
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