‘Crucible’ draws parallel to the horrors of two eras

By Guy D’Astolfo

YOUNGSTOWN — On its surface, “The Crucible” is a chilling play about the 1692 witch trials in Salem, Mass.

But it’s also an allegory that playwright Arthur Muller used to indict the wave of McCarthyism that was going on in the 1950s, when he wrote the drama.

J&B Production Arts and Victorian Players Theatre will present “The Crucible” as their annual Halloween production. The play opens Friday.

“Sen. Joseph McCarthy was riding high at the time with his ‘communist hunt,’” said John Ballantyne, director. “As with the witch trials, anyone who knew someone that McCarthy had accused of being a communist was also accused of being a communist. Guilt by association and innuendo were a major part of McCarthy’s witch hunt.

“Salem was sort of the shell within which Miller built his version of McCarthyism. On the other hand, he also told a story about what happened in Salem, Mass., in 1692, based on historical documents.”

The story of “The Crucible” focuses on John Proctor, a young farmer; his wife, Elizabeth; and a young servant-girl who maliciously causes Elizabeth’s arrest for witchcraft. Proctor brings the girl to court to admit the lie but finds himself also accused of witchcraft.

The Halloween shows have been a huge hit at the Victorian since Ballantyne started producing them five years ago. The theater itself — a small, old, former church — adds to the chilling atmosphere of the productions. The patrons sit in the pews in the intimate and shadowy sanctuary.

For “The Crucible,” Ballantyne will take advantage of his quirky venue space. The action will take place in and around the audience.

“The entire theater is essentially the set,” said Ballantyne. “The audience will be a major part of the show.”

Up until this year, Ballantyne and company concentrated on plays adapted from Edgar Allan Poe stories, including “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.”

“We decided to do something different this year but still stay within the Halloween framework,” said Ballantyne. “The Crucible” seemed to be a good choice.” As usual, midnight performances will be included during the three-weekend run.

Next year, Ballantyne said he’ll do a new Poe show and then will likely start repeating prior ones.

The cast of “The Crucible” totals 20, one of the largest the Victorian has ever seen. C. Richard Haldi plays Deputy Governor Danforth; Molly Galano is Elizabeth Proctor; Tom Smith is Reverend Hale; Roger Wright is Reverend Samuel Parris; Chara Goodrich is Abigail Williams; and Ballantyne is John Proctor.