Marblehead Little Theatre's "The Crucible": A Riveting Performance

Life is God’s most precious gift.

Marblehead Little Theatre presents Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, a dramatic telling of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. Fear and suspicion spiral out of control when Abigail Williams and several other women are falsely accused of witchcraft, leading to tragic consequences.

It’s October, and there’s no better show to celebrate the spooky month with than Marblehead Little Theatre’s riveting production of The Crucible. I lost count of how many times I uttered, ‘wow,’ throughout the night. Marblehead Little Theatre truly does Arthur Miller’s The Crucible justice, drawing audiences into this dark and fearful world of witchcraft.

An extraordinarily talented cast of actors leads The Crucible. Every portrayal is raw, powerful, and breaks new ground. As I have said before, no small part exists in the theater. From the accused women to those fighting against them, or the fearful whispers of the townspeople, every role helps define this play’s tense atmosphere.

Jeremy Lupowitz gives a remarkable performance as John Proctor. He is a strong-willed man who fights for all, but even he is not so innocent. Every line spoken by Lupowitz balances the weight of his character’s guilt as he desperately searches for redemption.

Shannon Burke (Abigail Williams) also delivers a masterclass of acting. During the play’s signature trial scene, Abigail bellows about the witchcraft horrors and the evils that plague her. Burke is mesmerizing to watch in this intense scene as she sheds hysterical tears.

Theresa Peterson (Elizabeth Proctor) shows remarkable quiet strength, and Stephen Turner has a commanding presence as Judge Hathorne. Roles like Mary Warren (Ashley Royer), Reverend Samuel Parris (J.P. Guiliotti), Thomas Putnam (Conor Burke), and several more heighten the superb, fierce, and authoritative acting.

Every actor deserves recognition; they all truly become their character. It’s honestly unbelievable when you realize that they’re only actors under these costumes; that’s just how realistic the portrayals are. I also like how comedy was filtered in, thanks to the actors’ timing.

The technical elements highly authenticate the time period. Marblehead Little Theatre uses minimal sets, and let me tell you, the mini stage in their black box setting is so effective at utilizing its small space.

Prop/set dresser, Lynn Turner, changes the stage from a bedroom to a common room, to a courtroom, and finally a jail cell, all with just a few props. Costumes by Laura Dillon had a realistic appeal.

I couldn’t stop staring at the eerie lighting design in the final scene, as shadows stretched off the walls in the jail cell. Greg Mancusi-Ungaro’s lighting design creates a subtle usage of light in a play that inhabits darkness.

Director Trudi Olivetti and Assistant Director Andrew Hankison amplified the terror through praiseworthy direction to the cast, and the final results are truly amazing. They drew audiences into the world of the play, making them feel like they were part of this grim story and fighting to escape.

“(The Crucible) is a timeless depiction of the intolerance, hysteria, and abuse of power which can tear a community apart,” Olivetti said. The themes of prejudice and truth are still relevant today. The play confronts how fear-driven judgment destroys lives with one pointed finger.

Be warned, The Crucible is an emotionally intense show, and the trial scene is by far the most effective sequence. I felt myself holding my breath, chilled to the bone. The audience sat forward, but also as far back against their chairs as possible, with how turbulently the tone changed. It’s brilliant!

All performances of The Crucible are sold out at Marblehead Little Theatre, but if you get lucky, do not miss this gripping, passionate, and incredible production. Audiences are in for an epic three-hour show that lingers as you exit the theater.