Palm Coast, FL – The Crucible: Behind the Scenes with Mr. and Mrs. Proctor
Actors: Beau Wade as John Proctor, Angela Young as Elizabeth Proctor
Why did you want to be a part of this production?
BW: I wanted to be a part of this production for a number of reasons. Arthur Miller writes such evocative pieces, challenging pieces, and to be a part of one is always a dream. This is also our director Les’ first production in this area, and I’ve wanted a chance to work with him since he became the technical director for the CRT. And finally, what actor doesn’t want to get the chance to follow in Daniel Day-Lewis’ shoes and scream “Because it is my name!!!!” at the heavens.
AY: Les Ober, the director, approached me to play the role of Elizabeth Proctor after seeing my performance in THEY’RE PLAYING OUR SONG. Growing up I was homeschooled for a year and my mother taught religion and history and the Salem Witch Trials as well as Puritans, Quakers and Shakers were just fascinating to me. In high school I read The Crucible and The Scarlet Letter and the thought of a society like what is in those stories stuck with me. So when I was asked to be in this show, I immediately agreed.
Who do you play and what have you learned about this character that was a surprise for you?
BW: I play John Proctor, the farmer who wants to do what is right by his family and his town, but harbors a dark secret that could destroy him. It’s been fun to work the complexities of this character and find how this affects all his relationships on stage.
AY: Elizabeth is a woman who is fighting to maintain her values and religious teachings while also struggling with a community that is embracing quite the opposite. She is a mother and a wife and is said to “never lie, she cannot lie.” It is clear that she harbors anger, disappointment and resentment towards her husband and their former servant and is struggling to maintain her household. She loves and wants to be loved, but also walks with an icy aloof air which causes strain in her relationships.
Prep – how have you and your cast mates prepared for this show during COVID?
BW: It’s been a real challenge actually. We’re working with doing our best to uphold all guidelines concerning the pandemic, and it can just cause a little chaos with scheduling and being able to act appropriately across from someone masked. But I can tell everyone has been working hard and will be prepared to deliver an amazing piece of work come show time.
AY: Les has been a wealth of knowledge on not only the show, but the history of the real people we are portraying. I personally did a deep dive into the history of the Proctor family, Elizabeth’s life before the events of The Crucible and events after. Yes, this is a reimagining, but these were real people and you can find court testimonies and records online.
What do you hope the audience will take away from the show?
BW: I hope the audience will be able to see this show and not only appreciate it for the work of art that it is, but to appreciate how it can still relate to modern day issues we face. Problems such as lying, and groupthink, and corruption. Arthur Miller wrote this as an allegory to the Red Scare of the 1950s, and the similarities between then and now still hold up when concerning these issues. I hope audiences will see these parallels and hold the show up as a mirror to modern society.
AY: Arthur Miller wrote this play in the 1950’s as an allegory to McCarthyism. I hope the audience will see the similarities in our modern political climate and Puritanical Salem. If I can connect with one audience member who relates to Elizabeth’s struggle and asks themself “what can I do to be sure injustice like this does not continue in my lifetime” I would be pleased. Beyond that, I hope the audience can see the talent that our local performers bring to our community and are compelled to see the rest of our season of shows.
From the Top: John Sbordone, Artistic Director and Co-Founder of City Repertory Theatre
(Director) Les Ober has been an enormous asset to CRT’s goals and everyday life. He brings a wealth of experience from educational and professional theatre in Western Connecticut.
In fact Diane and I believe Les and his wife Cindy have become an integral part of what CRT is. When we had to cancel Miller’s ALL MY SONS last spring due to COVID it became especially important that we bring Miller’s magnificent drama to the area. Of course that’s what CRT does. Our mission, as the”guttsiest little theatre in the area” is to produce those great theatrical experiences that other theatres aren’t doing.
Featured Photos: Mike Kitaif
The Crucible presented by City Repertory Theatre
April 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7 pm
April 11 & 18 at 3 pm
Location: Center Stage at Palm Coast Arts Foundation
1500 Central Avenue Palm Coast, FL 32164
Tickets: Adult/$20, Student/$15
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-crucible-tickets-141380421647
