The Crucible — Beloit Memorial Theatre

By Nellie Conover-Crockett — Increscent Writer

The Crucible | By Arthur Miller

In 1692, a frantic craze swept the people of Salem, Massachusetts. In 1953, playwright Arthur Miller retold the story, commenting on the mass hysteria that enveloped the society he lived in. Now, in 2016, Beloit Memorial High School’s theatre department brings The Crucible to life, exploring the dark themes that entwine the past, retelling a history of mass confusion, and capturing their audience in a twisted, intense story.
 

Play Selection

The Crucible is a partially fictionalized retelling of the mass fear created by the Salem Witch Trials. It follows the lives of several citizens of Salem whose lives are turned over by the false accusations and mass hysteria that follow them. As the plot unfolds, Abigail Williams, John Proctor, Elizabeth Proctor, and many other characters come face to face with brutal honesty, sharp dishonesty, and their own hypocrisy.

The modern importance of the themes presented in The Crucible attracted BMHS’ theatre director Greg Wallendal to the show. “The biggest idea we can apply to now is… the hysteria surrounding the witch trials. That hysteria is still applicable today and has been throughout history,” explained Wallendal. By finding recurring themes throughout time, the theatre department is able to make an older work into something current and modern.

For many actors, understanding the historical context of the play was crucial to getting into character. Senior Joshua Wick, who plays John Proctor, said he researched his character independently worked hard through the script dissection and full character analysis in order to “accurately portray Proctor as a historical figure and as a character.” In depth analysis of historical events helped actors understand not only their own characters, but the story as a whole.

Student Reflection

The darkness and intensity of The Crucible served as a new kind of challenge for many actors. Senior Willa Karlzon, who plays Elizabeth Proctor, described being challenged by “having such a serious role, which isn’t something she is used to.” Wallendal found a challenging aspect of the show to be “the literary grandness and… famous literature of the show.” The cast worked to honor the great literary aspects of the play and combine them with the dramatic intent they wanted to achieve.

Intensity and hysteria increase throughout the show, until John Proctor chooses to sacrifice his life. The staging and effects leaves the actual hanging up to the audience’s imagination, but junior Samantha Grahn, who plays Susanna Walcott, still said that “the moment when John Proctor and Rebecca Nurse step up to the noose is the most powerful moment in the play.” The intensity the cast, crew, and director bring to the show make it exciting, despite the plot’s serious undertones.

The exciting, intense, almost hectic show features BMHS talent throughout the cast and crew and showcases the hard work students have put in for months. Performances are NOvember 10-12 at 7:30 pm and November 13th at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $4 for students/seniors and $7 for adults, and all proceeds will go towards helping BMHS’ brilliant theatre department grow and provide the community with more joy and positivity.

[See image gallery at beloitschools.org]
Photos by Joanna Denson-Grahn, Proud Mom

The Cast

Parris… Evan Langone
Tituba… Keyera McEachin
Betty Parris/Martha Corey… Justine Ranum
Abigail Williams… Emma Corum
Susanna Walcott… Samantha Grahn
Mercy Lewis… Caitlin Heerey
Mary Warren… Sage Green
John Proctor… Joshua Wick
Elizabeth Proctor… Willa Karlzon
Thomas Putnam… David Brown
Ann Putnam… Sydney Turner
Giles Corey… Roxanne Joos
John Hale… Noah Poepping
Francis Nurse… Dayton Feldt
Rebecca Nurse… Abby Miller
Ezekiel Cheever… Tyler Alf
Marshall Willard… Anthony Taylor
Judge Hathorne… Malik Young
Danforth… Matthew Wick

The post The Crucible — Beloit Memorial Theatre appeared first on School District of Beloit News.