Hillbarn proves 'Crucible' concerns remain fresh
By Ed Pliska, Contributor
San Mateo County Times, Inside Bay Area
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
HILLBARN Theatre presents an exciting production of "The Crucible," the classic Salem witch hunt drama by Arthur Miller, one of America's greatest playwrights.
It is no secret that Miller intended the play to mirror Sen. Joe McCarthy's Communist "witch hunt" hearings in the 1950s. Because of this, you may think the play must be outdated. But think again. It is timeless. As a matter of fact, a high school production was cancelled this month in Fulton, Mo., in the face of opposition. Are there still those among us who want to defend witch hunts?
"The Crucible" takes us through a gripping tale of accusations, trial and executions of various townspeople who supposedly have been consorting with the devil. Self-righteous clergymen lead the hunt. Lust, deceit and jealousy are all part of the mix.
Hillbarn's production gets off to a slow start. The opening scene lacks the necessary heightened sense of anguish and anxiety among the characters. It fails to ring true when one character accuses another of having "so much ire" because the "ire" just isn't there.
But from the second scene on, the production picks up momentum and moves seamlessly through the rest of the evening. It becomes downright mesmerizing.
With a few exceptions, the cast is strong, anchored by outstanding actors in the two main roles of John Proctor and his wife. Earle Carlson gives a powerful performance as John, and Loring Robba follows suit as his wife. She need only remember not to swallow some of her lines.
Truly outstanding as Deputy Governor Danforth, head of the trial court, is John Baldwin. He cleverly plays the role in a marvelous, understated manner, which gives him an authentic command of the action in each scene. His performance alone is worth the price of admission.
Deserving of special mention are Rudolf Vest as Giles Corey, accused along with his wife, and Richard Weingart as Ezekiel Cheever, the court clerk. Vest, who has delighted Bay Area audiences for more than 40 years, creates a genuinely likable character. And Weingart makes the most out of his few scenes.
Also worthy of note is Vivian Kane as Mary Warren, the Proctors' servant, who plays a key role in the final scene.
Director John Kirman expertly puts all of the pieces together. He skillfully moves all of his 20 cast members around the stage with precision and keeps the action moving at a brisk pace.
He is aided by a fine technical crew. The set by Ron Gasparinetti is outstanding. And composer and sound designer Greg Sudmeier provides some original music to punctuate certain scenes. The period costumes by Mae Heagert-Matos are a joy to behold and lighting designer Brendan Bartholomew enhances the mood of each scene.
Regardless whether you've seen this prize-winning play, it is well worth your time to drop in at Hillbarn to see this terrific production.