Classic Theatre of Maryland’s production of The Crucible is suspenseful, timely theater. Directed by Sally Boyett, Arthur Miller’s classic play about the Salem Witch Trials captures the dangers of religious zealotry and how hysteria spreads.
Derek Emerson Powell plays John Proctor with righteous anger. At the play’s start, he scoffs at the idea of witchcraft being responsible for the girls’ torments and speaks openly of his distaste for Reverend Parris (Josh Lee). He protests the “proof” offered at the trial, promoting alternative explanations. He grabs Abigail (Heather Burgess) and Mary Warren (Allison Meyer) in fury, shaking them and throwing them to the ground. His most emotional moments come during an ethical dilemma, signing his name to something untrue; his inner conflict is clear in his pained expressions. As a friend remarked afterward, “If I ever acquire an enemy, I want John Proctor in my corner.”
Shayna Freedman brings quiet strength to John’s wife, Elizabeth. She urges him to speak what he knows of the accusers’ motives. Arrested, she tells John to tell the children she is away visiting the sick. Questioned at the trial, she deflects, casting blame on herself. Her relationship with John is complex yet strong. As Ann Putnam, she is assured that her many dead children are the result of witchcraft.
Josh Lee brings a fury to Reverend Samuel Parris, the community’s religious leader. A newcomer, he feels persecuted because he demands the deed to his house and a large salary. Initially concerned about witchcraft damaging his reputation, he later throws himself into the proceedings, questioning witnesses and refuting John’s alternative suggestions. Mitchell McCollum plays Reverend John Hale, who is brought in to investigate, with conflict. He begins assured of demonic associations, questioning the Proctors about their church attendance and baptizing their children. Later, he questions the trial, urging for lawyers to represent the defendants.
Heather Burgess plays Abigail Williams, leader of the accusing girls, with passion. At first, she orders them not to speak of what they did, threatening them with violence. She embraces John, then pushes him when he rejects her. She seems genuine in her desire to burn away the community’s hypocrisy and expose people’s truth, but other motives are at work, too. Allison Meyer brings fear to Mary Warren. The Proctors’ servant, she is initially full of self-importance as a court witness but soon becomes terrified as people get caught up in hysteria. Watching her protest against the other girls’ antics is powerful as she collapses on the floor. Izzy Miller plays Betty Parris with intensity. In bed at the start, she leaps out and tells the girls what she saw them doing the night before. She shrieks and stands on the bed, giving names. Mackenzie Koehne as Mercy Lewis and Delaney Jackson as Susanna Walcott add to the hysteria, falling to the floor and waving at terrifying birds tormenting them. One almost wants to look where they are pointing, to be assured there is nothing really there.
John Pruessner plays Deputy-Governor Danforth with authority, insisting that the protocols of the court be followed. He harshly questions Mary, Abigail, and John, reaching his own conclusions. Mixing religion and the law, he demands that John confess to his accused crimes or hang, refusing to accept any waffling. Nathan Rosen gives a firmness to Judge Hathorne, questioning everyone present in the trial.
Cyrus Mooney brings a privilege to Thomas Putnam, demanding that Parris speak to his congregation about the possibility of witchcraft. He angrily refutes a charge of accusing someone to gain their land. As jailer John Willard, he is sympathetic to the prisoners, letting one drink from his flask. Luisa Turner plays Tituba, the accused slave, with intense fear. She trembles as the men accuse her, folding up into herself until she tells them what they want to hear, breathlessly relating her Satanic encounters. Later, she spins around in delusion, excitedly telling her jailers about going back home to Barbados.
Brian Davis plays Francis Nurse with desperation, trying to free his accused loved ones and falling prey to the legal system’s traps. Dexter Hamlett brings a fierce experience to Giles Corey, unintentionally accusing his wife and now using his legal knowledge to free her and others. Nancy Krebs plays Rebecca Nurse with a practicality. Examining the sleeping Betty, she explains the child will wake when she is ready. As accused witch Martha Corey, she brings a quiet integrity, softly imploring John not to compromise his principles. Tommy Malek brings an assurance to Ezekiel Cheever, a court official. He marches into the Proctors’ home, determined to arrest Elizabeth.
Costume Designer Sally Boyett and Wig and Hair Designer Tommy Malek reflect Puritan-era Massachusetts, with long, simple dresses and bonnets for the women and dark coats and pants for the men. Tituba wears a colorful shawl and headdress, while Deputy-Governor Danforth and Judge Hathorne look imposing in their long, black robes and caps.
Lighting Designer Adam Mendelson adds to the mysterious atmosphere by keeping the lights low. Sound Designer Folger Ridout increases the suspense with the sound of drums in dramatic moments, and children singing in between scenes.
Voice and Dialect Coach Nancy Krebs ensures the actors’ accents feel authentic, from servant to judge, while generally allowing the audience to understand them. Tituba’s Caribbean-inflected English is challenging at times, but her gist is clear. Sally Boyett keeps the actors moving throughout the play. During scene changes, the women, carrying lanterns, silently move from the side stairs to the stage. The girls’ wild movements, writhing on the floor and screaming their accusations, are both fascinating and terrifying, increasing the tension tremendously. Classic Theatre of Maryland brings The Crucible to vivid life, speaking to the conflicts of our own time.
Running Time: Two and a half hours, including one 15-minute intermission.
The Crucible plays through March 16, 2025, at Classic Theatre of Maryland – 1804 West Street, Suite 200, Annapolis, MD. For tickets ($58–$85), call the box office at 410-415-3513, email BoxOffice@classictheatremaryland.org or purchase online.