The JP Stevens Theatre Company impressed their audience with their production of The Crucible from November 16 to 18, directed by Ms. Allison Young. This play featured everything: drama, love, and of course, witches. The actors captivated the audience’s attention from the moment the play began, embodying their characters to perfection. 

The play The Crucible was written in 1953 by playwright Arthur Miller and was intended to describe the Salem witch trials in its most dramatic nature. It takes place in Puritan-dominated Salem, Massachusetts, where a group of girls claimed they had been possessed by witches themselves, sparking a belief in witchcraft throughout the town. Paranoia begins to engulf the town and many women are accused of taking part in witchcraft, causing them to be executed should they not admit to their “sin”. As a result of this, many of the accused begin to succumb to the idea of witchcraft and admit to being one when put on trial. 

All of the actors and actresses successfully emphasized this melodramatic plot in a way that moved the audience greatly. Sophomore Anagha Nagesh, who played the role of Abigail Williams, demonstrated her acting skill—her character manipulating the rest of the town with her intelligence. Abigail’s secret, forbidden love interest, John Proctor, played by senior Raghav Mathur, and his wife, Elizabeth Proctor, played by senior Casey Decker, also brought emotion to the stage, fighting for their love and Elizabeth’s life. The other girls who supported Abigail in her endeavors to make the town believe in witchcraft also contributed to the more dramatic aspects of the play, showcasing their ability to maintain character. These students, whether they had a lead or supporting role, all brought spirit to the play, allowing the audience to feel as if they were witnessing the original witch trials. 

The production crew enhanced the play even further by creating an environment for the play to take place in. The set crew fashioned intricate settings to develop an ambiance for the play, whilst the light and sound crew added various dramatic elements to the play.

As the cast and crew attended rehearsals after school to put together this production, these students began to form bonds with their peers and made wonderful memories with their new “theater family”.

“The Crucible was honestly one of the best productions I’ve been in. The cast was all so supportive of each other and through this play, I gained new friends and even a new family,” said junior Venya Raghavan, who played Susanna Walcott in the play. “I’m so proud of how we all pulled together in the end and put on a great performance.” 

All of these students, from actors and actresses to the set and sound crew, were dedicated to ensuring the success of this production. Overall, the JP Stevens Theatre Company’s production was a success with the help of the talent and tireless effort of the students and staff.