After earning critical acclaim this past November in Croton Falls, NY, the Schoolhouse Theatre production of the Miller work will begin performances at Off-Broadway's Arclight Theatre Feb. 6.
Under the direction of Schoolhouse artistic director Pamela Moller Kareman, The Crucible features Kevin Albert, Terry Ashe-Croft, Keith Barber, Virginia Barber, Stephanie Bayliss, Sarah Bennett, Sari Caine, Lauren Currie Lewis, Tyne Firmin, Jennifer Hildner, George Kareman, David Licht, Simon MacLean Cheryl Orsini, David Rigo, James S. Smith, Bruce Smolanoff, Sherry Stregack, John Tyrrell and Walita.
Miller's 1953 allegory of McCarthyism is cloaked within the tales of the 1692 Salem witch trials. "A powerful and timeless depiction of how intolerance and mass hysteria can tear a community apart," press notes state. "When Abigail Williams is held under suspicion of practicing witchcraft, she in turn levels charges against her former employer, Elizabeth Proctor. In the wake of Abigail's charges, Reverend Parris begins hearing accusations and counter-accusations from all sides of the community, so he brings in a judge to determine who is guilty."
The Crucible design team includes lighting design by David Pentz, set design by John Pollard, costume design by Kimberly Matela and sound design and original music by Matt Stine. The Off-Broadway production is co-presented by Mare Nostrum Elements.
One of Miller's most popular works, The Crucible has received four Broadway revivals since its 1953 Broadway debut. The most recent – in 2002 – starred Laura Linney and Liam Neeson. The Crucible officially opens Feb. 9 at the Arclight Theatre. The limited engagement will run through March 2. For tickets call (212) 352-3101.
The Arclight Theatre is located in Manhattan at 152 West 71st Street.
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The Schoolhouse Theater was founded in 1985 and became a full-fledged regional company in 1997. Among the actors and writers to appear on the Schoolhouse stage are Karen Valentine, Polly Draper, David Marguiles, Joyce Carol Oates, Hilma Wolitzer, Sybille Pearson and Paul Zindel.
