Review: OPERATION CRUCIBLE is a Remarkable Must-See Play

"If you stay calm, keep your head in the right place, you'll get through it."

-by Andrew in Operation Crucible

Brits Off-Broadway 2018 continues at 59E59 Theaters with the highly acclaimed production of Operation Crucible. This mesmerizing play is written by Kieran Knowles, directed by Bryony Shanahan and features an outstanding cast. Make time to see it. The show will be on the Upper East Side stage through June 3.

Set during World War II, Operation Crucible tells about lives of four men, Bob, Tommy, Phil, and Andrew, all locals who live in Sheffield and work at the city's steel factory. The men have a true camaraderie and share common interests but their personalities and life styles are quite different. Times are difficult and tensions are on the rise as enemy planes frequently pass over the city. And when Sheffield is bombed, the four men are trapped together under the rubble of the Marples Hotel fearing for their lives and for the fate of their families. The story is a timeless perspective of the chaotic effects that war has on civilians.

Each of the four men's past lives and their present circumstances are portrayed with spirit, heart and some humor. The members of the cast deftly assume multiple roles to create a portrait of each character. The accomplished troupe of thespians includes Salvatore D'Aquila as Bob; Kieran Knowles as Tommy; Christopher McCurry as Phil; and James Wallwork as Andrew. The actors master the show's intriguing dialogue and its rapid scene changes.

The Creative Team has done a top job of bringing Operation Crucible to the stage with set and costume design by Sophia Simensky; lighting design by Seth Rook Williams; and sound design by Daniel Foxsmith. The AEA Stage Manager is Sofia Montgomery.

Operation Crucible is a show that must be seen. This New York Times Critics Pick is deserves its many accolades. The play is an unforgettable and affecting theatre experience.

Operation Crucible is produced by McGill Productions Ltd, From Ground Up Theatre, and The Hartshorn-Hook Foundation. The show runs for 80 minutes with no intermission. It is being performed for a limited engagement through Sunday, June 3 at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59thStreet, between Park and Madison Avenues). The schedule is Tuesday to Friday at 7:15 PM; Saturday at 2:15 PM & 7:15 PM; Sunday at 2:15 PM. The single ticket price is $25 - $35 ($24.50 for 59E59 Members). Tickets are available by calling Ticket Central at 212-279-4200 or online at http://www.59e59.org/.

Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Orchestrations - Top 3

1. Anders Eljas, Brian Usifer - Chess

22.2% of votes

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3. William David Brohn - Ragtime

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