| Local theater staple Nicholas Hess directs the 2022 production of Arthur Miller's 1953 play "The Crucible" set to open Thursday at the Barrow-Civic Theatre. The show explores how the "fake news" of the late 1690s in Salem, Massachusetts led to tragic mistrust and death. |  |
Several interesting cultural norms of the times included in the play are head scratchers today. A poppet is a handmade doll that is used to lead authorities astray. Goody is a term that means the same as Mrs. or Ms. today.
And one character named Rebecca Nurse has an interesting way of condemning the out of control youth of the time with "... they will run the devil bow-legged keeping up with they mischief..."
Hess isn't shy about drawing comparisons to modern times with the late 1600s as he intermingles contemporary music into the production.
And a lot of chaos.
And a lot of tempers flaring.
And a lot of finger pointing.
Sound familiar?
When Miller wrote this play in the 1950s, it was a commentary about McCarthyism. But there certainly can be comparisons drawn with the divisive rhetoric of our times.
When Miller wrote this play in the 1950s, it was a commentary about McCarthyism. But there certainly can be comparisons drawn with the divisive rhetoric of our times.
Hess, with producers Hannah Faraone and Jennifer Fox, have put together a strong cast of local performers for this powerful adaptation.
  | Cast members include: John Proctor – August Babington Abigail Williams – Grace Fish Deputy-Governor Danforth – Shawn Clerkin Reverend John Hale – Jim Nash Elizabeth Proctor – Hannah Faraone Reverend Samuel Parris – Ben Bodamer Mary Warren – Aoife Salusky Thomas Putnam – Aaron Ritsig Mrs. Ann Putnam – Angie Higby Rebecca Nurse – Pamela Watkins Francis Nurse – Gary Dittman Giles Corey – Andrew Ritsig Ezekiel Cheever – Caleb McCarthy Judge Hathorne – Ryan Hess John Willard – Paul Hess Tituba – Vera Saeli Betty Parris – Emma Kish Mercy Lewis – Jackie Higby Susanna Wallcott – Emilie Weaver Sarah Good – Elizabeth Braughler Hopkins – Hailey Irwin Ensemble Girl – Janice Irwin Ensemble Girl – Ashlynne Cornmesser |
Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, March 18, 19, 25 and 26, with 2 p.m. matinee performances Sundays, March 20 and 27. Tickets can be ordered in advance at 814-437-3440 or www.barrowtheatre.org.
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