Playhouse in the Park will hold a production of the classic Puritan drama “The Crucible” later this week.
Director Marian Bradtke and actor Marci Jo Gardner-Edmonds speak with Tracy Ross on Sounds Good about the play.
Bradtke says the play has enjoyed a recent revival, including a run on Broad Street. She says the theme is timely – fear and prejudice are something everyone can relate to.
The director says this is the first time she’s produced “The Crucible” and she thinks audiences will appreciate the minimalist set and dramatic tension.
Gardner-Edmonds will portray Elizabeth Proctor, a Puritan woman key to the play’s plot. Proctor holds an upstanding reputation that all shatters when she is accused of witchcraft.
Bradtke says when casting, she looked for expressions of humanity. She says each actor plays true to their role in a distinctive, believable manner.
The production is composed of two acts and should run about two hours. Gardner-Edmonds says it’s a heavy drama and could be a bit harsh for younger children. However, she says it’s a great story that’s relatable.
Cast List:
- Betty Parris - Kathryn Hereford
- Rev Parris - Randy Herndon
- Nula - Vicki Morton
- Abigail Williams - Kayla Little
- Susannah Walcott - Kealy Shoemaker
- Ann Putnam - Jill Herndon
- Thomas Putnam - Kevin Swartz
- Mary Warren - Kat Ricci
- John Proctor - Brad Brauser
- Rebecca Nurse - Jana Little
- Giles Cory - Don Fleming
- Rev Hale - Kevin Brost
- Francis Nurse - Walter Bradtke
- Elizabeth Proctor - Marci Gardner-Edmonds
- John Willard - Ryan Messenger
- Dep. Gov. Danforth - Jeff Miller
- Mercy Lewis - Hannah Derby
- Ezekiel Cheever - David Shinall
It opens Friday, March 4. For tickets, call Playhouse at the Park or visit their website at playhousemurray.org.
