Berkshire on Stage

If you’ve studied theater in any capacity, you’ve probably come across Arthur Miller and, specifically, The Crucible. I certainly remember reading The Crucible in high school, and then again in college… twice. I do love the play, but it’s not an easy play in any sense. It’s wordy, complex, tragic, nuanced, and calls for a large cast. I am pleased to say that Home Made Theater’s production of this Arthur Miller classic, currently playing at Saratoga Music Hall, rises to most of the challenges presented by this play.

The Crucible takes place in 17th Century New England and tells a story about the Salem Witch Trials, however Miller wrote the play during the McCarthy era communist “witch hunts,” and the play is much more about modern collective paranoia than it is about 17th Century Puritans. Each time I encounter The Crucible I find new layers and subtleties, and I’m sure I still have more to discover. I can’t say this particular production dove exceptionally deep into the nuances of The Crucible, but it did give me a newfound sympathy for the character of Abigail Williams. 

My newfound sympathy for Abigail is primarily thanks to a superb performance by Amanda Martini-Hughes, who plays Abigail, as well as an impressively layered performance by Matthew Crowley, who plays John Proctor. Martini-Hughes doesn’t try to soften her character, but simply plays her with genuine belief in the character and her plight. Meanwhile, Crowley plays John Proctor as a quick-tempered and occasionally violent man who nevertheless strives to do the right thing for his wife and his community (though not for Abigail). The Crucible calls for a large cast, and so the overall ensemble is of mixed talent, but the major players are excellently cast. In addition to the aforementioned stellar portrayals of John Proctor and Abigail Williams, Bridget Dunigan brings quiet passion to the role of Elizabeth Proctor, carefully choosing her moments for that passion to bubble to the surface. Reverend Hale’s arc from pious believer to reluctant witch-hunter to regretful would-be savior of the condemned comes to life with brilliant emotion in the hands of Keaton Poore. And with minimal stage time, Dianne O’Neill plays Rebecca Nurse with such warmth that her fate is felt as heavily as the fall of any tragic protagonist.

Some of the supporting cast struggled to pick up their cues and deliver their lines with confidence, so I do think more rehearsal time would have helped this production. However while there were some struggles with lines, there were no such issues with the play’s blocking. The Crucible is a busy play with a large cast; luckily the actors, under the guidance of Director Toni Anderson-Sommo, do an excellent job of moving throughout the space and using the stage to its full potential. This is especially true during the trial scene, when nearly the entire cast must be on stage at once with room for the major players to move.

The stage is bordered by winding branches, reminding the audience of the inciting incident for the play, which happens in the woods outside Salem. However, much of the play takes place indoors, and the branches do not detract from the indoor scenes. This is a testament to the style of scenic designer Peter Benfey, but also to Aram Taleporos’s lighting design. And of course, no depiction of 17th Century Puritans would be complete without period costuming and the iconic women’s bonnets. Libby Brennesholtz’s costuming does a commendable job of keeping the audience rooted in Colonial New England.

For better or for worse, Home Made Theater doesn’t do anything groundbreaking with its production of The Crucible. It is simply an enjoyable rendition of a very famous and very complicated play that allows Miller’s masterful writing to speak for itself. Though there are a few weaker actors in the ensemble, the major characters are all portrayed by exceptionally talented actors, and the stagecraft does service to this American classic. Home Made Theater’s production will be worth your time, especially if you’re already an Arthur Miller fan.

Home Made Theater presents The Crucible by Arthur Miller, directed by Toni Anderson-Sommo, runs from February 20 – March 1, at the Saratoga Music Hall, 474 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. Produced by Linda Bertrand. Stage Managed by Gloria Berg. Cast: Paul Angelo as Rev. Samuel Parris, Joe Bruton as Deputy Governor Danforth, Emily Bryan as Mary Warren, Tim Christensen as Judge Hathorne, Brian Christiansen as Ezekiel Cheever, Matthew Crowley as John Proctor, Alexandra Doggette as Mrs. Anne Putnam, Mary Ellen Dowling as Sarah Good, Bridget Dunigan as Elizabeth Proctor, Amanda Martini-Hughes as Abigail Williams, Dune Mayberger as John Willard, Narissa Mongiovi as Susanna Walcott, Dianne O’Neill as Rebecca Nurse, Ted Orosz as Giles Corey, Keaton Poore as Rev. John Hale, Beatriz Roman as Tituba, Kendra Schieber as Martha Corey, and Emily Shufelt as Betty Parris. Scenic design by Peter Benfey. Costume design by Libby Brennesholtz. Properties design by Mary Fran Hughes. Sound design by Tom Moeller. Lighting design by Aram Taleporos.

Performance dates are Friday-Sunday. Friday, and Saturday curtains are at 7pm and Sundays are matinees only at 2pm. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors 65 and up, $20 for students, and free for kids 5 and under. Runs approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission. Recommended for ages 14+. For more information or to order tickets, visit https://homemadetheater.org/, call 518-587-4427, or email info@homemadetheater.org.