By Sara Wiercinski
A new resident theatre company at the Arts Asylum will present its inaugural performance of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible from November 14 to 23.
Phoenix production company selected the classic play for its weight and significance.
“The Crucible is an American masterpiece,” said Ryan Fortney, Artistic Director with Phoenix and the show’s director. “Most everyone I talk to read it junior year of high school, so revisiting the play can help audiences see why it was so well received during its time.”
Arthur Miller wrote The Crucible during the “red scare” in 1953, the era of McCarthyism.
“Miller wrote about another period in response to the modern day he was living in. Ever since it has continued to have cultural relevance,” said Fortney.
“The prominent theme is the idea of society pitting one person against each other. Those caught in the crosshairs lose the most.”
The play is set in 17th century Salem, Mass. during the witch trials. By casting a diverse group of actors in race, age and experience, “anyone who comes to see the show can see themselves up there,” said Fortney.
Robert E. Coppage III stars as John Proctor, McKenzie Greenwood as Abigail Williams, Raine Bertoldie as Reverand Hale, Erika Crane Ricketts as Elizabeth Proctor and Tim Ahlenius as Deputy-Governor Danforth.
Talkback sessions will follow the Sunday performances, with particular discussion around the role of Tituba–the only person of color in the traditional play. Fortney and actress Valerie Chamberlin worked together to mine the text and develop Tituba beyond the original character.
Along with Fortney, founding members of Phoenix are Bailey Rose, Scott Crouse, and David Emerick. Before founding as Phoenix, the group produced The Grapes of Wrath at The Arts Asylum in September 2023.
“These are the types of productions we want to take on: They are beautiful stories. Entertaining, incredibly emotional shows.”
Evening performances start at 7:30 pm. Sunday matinee shows begin at 1 pm. Tickets are $28.52. The Arts Asylum is located at 824 E. Meyer Blvd.
Learn more at www.theartsasylum.org.