The Crucible by Arthur Miller
presented by The ActorsNet of Bucks County
January 12 thru 28, 2007
directed by Cheryl Doyle
George Hartpence as John Proctor
Carol Thompson as Elizabeth Proctor
Allie DeKorte as Abigail Williams
Mort Paterson as Deputy Governor Danforth
Ross Druker as Reverend Hale
Corey Stradling as Reverend Parris
Tess Ammerman as Mary Warren
Set design by George Hartpence
The place is Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, an enclave of rigid piety huddled on the edge of a wilderness. Its inhabitants believe unquestioningly in their own sancitiy. But in Arthur Miller's edgy masterpiece, that very belief will have poisonous consequences when a vengeful teenager accuses a rival of witchcraft - and then when those accusations multiple to consume the entire village.
First produced in 1953, at a time when America was convulsed by a new epidemic of witchhunting, The Crucible brilliantly explores the threshold between individual guilt and mass hysteria, personal spite and collective evil. It is a play that is not only relentlessly suspenseful and vastly moving but that compels viewers to fathom their hearts and consciences in ways that only the greatest theater ever can. Penguin Books edition
Preliminary poster graphic | Final ActorsNet poster |
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PRESS RELEASE:
Trial of the 17th Century!
It’s 1692, and John and Elizabeth Proctor of Salem, Massachusetts -- played by real-life married couple George Hartpence and Carol Thompson of New Hope -- contemplate the dangers they face when caught up in the notorious witch trials in The Crucible. Arthur Miller’s masterful drama explores how lies can lead to mass hysteria and performs at the Heritage Center, 635 N. Delmorr Avenue (Route 32), Morrisville, PA from January 12-28. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $13 for seniors and children under 13. For reservations or information, call the nonprofit Actors’ NET at 215-295-3694.
Critical Acclaim:
Stuart Duncan, Theater Critic for the Princeton Packet News Group, had this to say:
"The Actors' NET production is beautifully acted: George Hartpence and his real-life wife, Carol Thompson, play the Proctors with beautifully modulated intensity. Corey Stradling is a powerful Reverend Parris, hinting at the true-life pressure on him in his work and his own personal doubts. Allie DeKorte, relatively new to the group, finds wonderful shadings to the role of Abigail. Ross Druker makes his debut with the company a huge triumph in the role of Reverend John Hale. Mort Paterson doesn't appear until Act 2, but is an exciting Governor Danforth."
PERFORMANCE PHOTOS:
 | Elizabeth tells John to confront Abigail. George Hartpence (left) as John Proctor and Carol Thompson (right) as Elizabeth Proctor |  | Hanging Judges. John Helmke (far left) as Ezekial Cheever. Mort Paterson (center below) as Deputy Governor Danforth. Ken Ammerman (right) as Judge Hathorne and Corey Stradling (above center) as Reverend Parris. |
 | Act I Tituba is cross-examined Cheryl Williams (center right) as Tituba and Ross Druker (lower right) as Rev. Hale |  | Abigail comes to Jesus Allie DeKorte (down left) as Abigail and Peter Crist and Susan Blair (up left) as the Putnams with Joe Martin (up right) as Giles Corey |
 | Act II The Proctor's home George Hartpence (right) as John Proctor and Carol Thompson (left) as Elizabeth Proctor |  | Act I John Proctor sees the light about Abigal Williams Allie DeKorte (left) as Abigail and George Hartpence (right) as John Proctor |
 | Act II Guns along the Mohawk John defends Elizabeth from the wardens. |  | "I will bring you home. I will bring you soon." Elizabeth is taken to prison on charges of witchcraft. |
 | "She'll charge lechery on you, Mr. Proctor!" Tess Ammerman (left) as Mary Warren and George Hartpence (right) as John Proctor |  | ACT III Trial in Salem Mort Paterson (center) as Judge Danforth |
 | The Defense from left : Marco Newton as Francis Nurse, Joe Martin as Giles Corey, George Hartpence as John Proctor, and Tess Ammerman as Mary Warren |  | The Prosecution from left: Ross Druker as Rev. Hale, Ken Ammerman as Judge Hathorne, Mort Paterson as Judge Danforth, and Corey Stradling as Rev. Parris |
 | "Now, remember the angel Raphael and what he say to the boy Tobias." Tess Ammerman as Mary Warren and George Hartpence as John Procter | 
| "How do you call heaven, whore!" George Hartpence (left) as John Proctor and Allie DeKorte (center) as Abigail Williams |
 | Abigail and the girls see demons |  | Elizabeth picks the wrong time to tell her first lie. |
 | Bad day in court Tess Ammerman as Mary Warren accuses Proctor (George Hartpence - far left) of witchcraft |  | Act IV John and Elizabeth make their peace with each other George Hartpence(left) as John Proctor and Carol Thompson (right) as Elizabeth Proctor |
 | "Because it is my name..." George Hartpence as John Proctor |  | "Why must it be written..." Mort Paterson (left) as Judge Danforth and George Hartpence (right) as John Proctor |
 | Proctor signs the false confession |  | Prison farewell Connie Carrie (right) as Rebecca Nurse |
 | The Proctors' fairwell meeting in prison. George Hartpence (left) as John Proctor and Carol Thompson (right) as Elizabeth Proctor |  | Elizabeth endures - "He have his goodness now..." Carol Thompson (left) as Elizabeth Proctor and Ross Druker (right) as Rev. Hale |
Crucible Slide Show - courtesy Kelly Allen - stage manager