Theater Review: 'The Crucible' a success as Harrell Theatre gets serious

Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" is set in the Salem witch trails of the 1690s but was aimed squarely at the anti-communist McCarthy period of the 1950s.

The Harrell Theatre's production of "The Crucible" is not its typical fare.

But once in a while it steps away from musicals and gets serious as it did a year ago with "To Kill a Mockingbird" and now with the 1953 Arthur Miller classic about the Salem witchcraft trials in the 1690s.

The play is nominally about the collapse of reason as hysteria ruled several counties in 17th century Massachusetts with accusations of witchcraft. However, Miller aimed squarely at the similar specter of McCarthyism, a period in the early 1950s when the House Un-American Activities Committee and Sen. Joseph McCarthy ran amok in their widespread accusations of communism, tarring numerous innocent citizens and destroying lives.

Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" is set in the Salem witch trails of the 1690s but was aimed squarely at the anti-communist McCarthy period of the 1950s.

The writing is brilliant, and the examination of human nature through history and allegory has established it as an important contribution to theater.

Amy Hanford's production at the Harrell is generally well cast and handsomely mounted.

John Proctor (an effective Brian Everson) occupies the center as a good but imperfect man — solid, hardworking, susceptible to temptation but wanting mainly to do the correct thing.

Everson brings a nice range to the character. When he is joined by his wife, Elizabeth, played by Emily F. Chateau, the scenes pop with energy. Chateau is a splendid performer, precise and nuanced in her portrayal of Mrs. Proctor's passion and pain.

Justin Asher is terrific as Deputy Governor Danforth, the martinet who pretends to seek the truth. Asher brilliantly evokes some humanity to the monster, providing shading within his shadows.

Overall the ensemble is good when it doesn't stiffen up and when it's not rushing through the lines (although it's a long play, and you understand why they want to). And while hysteria plays an essential role in this drama, sometimes too high a level of shriek is sustained in the proceedings.

The stage setting and lighting are tops — good use of plain, mobile sets and dramatic illumination help convey the story.

"The Crucible"

Harrell Theatre, 440 W. Powell, Collierville; 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, through Feb. 28.

Tickets: $15, $12 children/students/seniors. Call 853-3228 or harrelltheatre.org.

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