The+Crucible+Comes+to+BHS



The Crucible Comes to BHS
By Alex O Co-Sports Editor “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller is a fascinating story of witch hunts, infidelity, and the questioning of religious views. The curtain rose in the Burrell High School Auditorium on Thursday, November 12.The play ran through Sunday, November 15. BHS teacher Mr. Connelly directed and produced this year’s play. “I have wanted to do this play for a while, but was not sure that I would be able to cast it because of the large amount of male roles. But when a couple of the students mentioned it and said they were willing to participate I felt inclined to try it” states Connelly. Typically, plays at Burrell do not receive as much recognition as that of the annual musical, but Connelly had high hopes going into production. Connelly commented “I expect the turn out to be better than usual. The English department is really pushing for students to go considering the Junior class has just read this play, I see us having a rather large audience”. The scenery consisted of a multilevel platform, and painted backdrops of a red and black forest, which contributes to the heavy emotion of the play. Though simple, it had a positive contribution to the overall emotion and feel of the play. Also, the music used between set changes was a nice additive and appropriate in order to set the tone for the next scene. Special costumes and make-up were also used to create the time setting of 1692. Long skirts and bonnets were worn for the girls. Large jackets and other historical clothing pieces were used in the play. Make-up was used to age some of the characters as well. The casting was done particularly well. Senior Matt Payne did exceptionally well as John Proctor, the farmer who has an affair with Abigail Williams. Abigail is played by Maddie Costa, a freshman this year and an up and coming star in the drama department at BHS. Other major roles were played by Senior Joe Sharick played Reverend Jon Hale, Junior Lorie Ferguson played Elizabeth Proctor, Junior Calvin Eberle played Reverend Parris. Newcomer Junior Steve Casselberry held his own with a lead as Deputy Governor Danforth. “I was surprised with his great acting ability” Connelly stated. The play overall seemed to be a large success by the reaction of the audience. “The play was great; I liked it more than the movie and book. The characters did a great job and fit in the rolls great. I was an all around great show”, said Junior Andrew Peck, after seeing the show on Thursday. The cast, no matter how large or small their part was did an incredible job. The overall production was a successful and very entertaining show.