BWW Reviews: Pioneer Theatre Company's THE CRUCIBLE is Fascinating and Well Produced

Pioneer Theatre Company's new production of THE CRUCIBLE is very well directed, acted, and designed. It is a wonderful production of a deservedly perennial classic.

THE CRUCIBLE by Arthur Miller is a 1953 drama about the Salem witch trials of 1692. Thematic elements dealing with blame and mass hysteria also resonate with the Red Scare rampant at the time in which the play was written.

John Proctor and his wife, Elizabeth, are citizens of Salem who are intimately affected by the witchcraft accusations that sweep through their circle of acquaintances. Have the accusations stemmed from jealousy or panic or something more sinister? Can they be overcome, and how?

The subject matter and storytelling are supremely fascinating, and director Charles Morey is successful in carefully unspooling the intertwined dramatic and emotional threads of the piece.

Claire Brownell as Elizabeth Proctor is constant and resilient, unfazed by the storms she is weathering. Her acting is exceptional.

Fletcher McTaggart as John Proctor has a presence that fills the stage. His final scene is heartrending and especially well performed.

The well-cast production features many nice moments from actors throughout the ensemble. Three actors that deserve special recognition for their strong performances include Betsy Hogg as Mary Warren, J. Todd Adams as Reverend John Hale, and Stephanie Weeks as Tituba.

The excellent set design by Gary English is versatile and befitting the time and story, as are the costumes by Carol Wells-Day.

Amanda French's hair and makeup design is absolutely fabulous. The hair and wigs look true to life, and the makeup tells a story of its own that complements the spoken word.

THE CRUCIBLE plays through February 28, 2015. For tickets, call the box office at 801-581-6961 or visit www.pioneertheatre.org.

Photo Credit: L-R Fletcher McTaggart (John Proctor) and Claire Brownell (Elizabeth Proctor). Photo by Alexander Weisman.