By Jordan Beach
This fall, Reinhardt University Theatre will portray a fictionalized version of the Salem witch trials in “The Crucible.”
The story is set in Salem, Massachusetts and portrays a group of young women in 1692 who falsely accuse other villagers of witchcraft.
Claire McCandlish ‘21 is a digital media arts major with a theatre minor and serves as stage manager for this production. She is excited to work on the set of Reinhardt’s take on her favorite play.
“It has such a compelling story and the fact that it is based off real events makes it even more interesting,” said McCandlish. “Even though it takes place in 1692, it is still relevant to life today. The characters in the play barely have any privacy, similar to today with social media.”
Jonathan Bynoe ‘21, cast as John Proctor, found connections between modern society and the 1950s, when the playwright Arthur Miller adapted this true story.
“The society we live in is led by such a high governmental power that we don’t know what to believe in anymore,” Bynoe said. “So many people have died by the many things they believe to be true and right in the world.”
McCandlish has been involved in Reinhardt’s theatre productions since her freshman year, including “Pippin,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “The Good Times are Killing Me,” and served as assistant stage manager in “The Secret Garden.” She describes her experience as stage manager for “The Crucible” as “a learning curve” and “an amazing opportunity.”
“It takes an immense amount of organization, the ability to multitask and delegate to get things moving sufficiently,” said McCandlish. “Since a big part of the stage manager’s job is communicating with everyone involved, it is one of the most valuable skills I have learned.”
Throughout the journey of becoming John Proctor, Bynoe learned about what it means to have integrity.
“From this role, I have learned so far that you can’t outrun the issues that you try to put away in life,” said the musical theatre major. “The word integrity sits with me during this show, the truth that is hidden will always find a way to come to that light.”
Bynoe, who portrayed Puck in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Leading Player in “Pippin” and Earl in “The Good Times are Killing Me,” believes the audience has much to gain from seeing this performance, directed by Morgan Brooks.
“Come see ‘The Crucible,’ it’s an American classic, true story that will be told beautifully and leave audiences with a performance they’ll really have to think on.”
“The Crucible” will run at Reinhardt University Theater for two weekends. Tickets can be purchased for Sept. 27-28 & Oct. 4-5 at 7:30 p.m., and Sept. 29 & Oct. 6 at 3 p.m.
