March winds are in the air and there’s a certain feeling as we await the arrival of spring. What a perfect month to present Arthur Miller’s classic drama, The Crucible.
The original Broadway production premiered in 1953 and starred Arthur Kennedy, Madeleine Sherwood, Beatrice Straight and E.G. Marshall; a movie version featured Winona Ryder and Daniel Day Lewis.
This parable of the Salem Witch trials was selected as part of the Fiftieth Anniversary season because of the strong draw of two past productions on our stage in 1957 (our first season) and 1976. The first production featured the talents of John Bourne in the role of Francis Nurse, a part he is repeating in this version.
Our current production is being directed by Heights Players president, Ed Healy, who has assembled a cast which is a nice mix of old-time members, veteran performers, returnees from this season's shows and several new faces making their Heights debuts.
In addition to Mr. Bourne, other old-timers in the cast are Marilyn Beck, John Downing, Michael Janove, Jim McNulty and Maureen Vidal. Veterans of recent productions include Heidi Carofano, Daniel Cardona, Vivienne LaBarbera, Vincent Panos, Ariella Toder and Victoria Konefal.
Returning to our stage after debuting earlier this season are Jocelyn Davies, Emily DePew, Thomas Kane, Jacqueline Koppell and Rebecca Lopez. Among the newcomers are Erin Andrea, Scott Clarkson, Jeremy Goren, Ben Humphreys and Tori Johnson.
Ed's staff for the show includes stage manager, Jim McNulty; assistant to the director, Jan VanderPutten; set designer, Gerry Newman; costume designer, Gina Healy; and lighting designer, Rob Weinstein.
The Crucible promises to be a compelling evening of theater.
see “On Stage”
for info and showtimes.
