The Crucible
at Santa Margarita Catholic

Reviewed on October 30, 2013

Chase Robinson
San Juan Hills High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Santa Margarita captivates with ‘The Crucible'
WC 397

As the lights swirl to black and sinister girlish giggles resound throughout the theatre, a tale of vengeance, mendacity, and sacrifice unfolds before your eyes. Santa Margarita Catholic High School's rendition of "The Crucible" illustrates how the lies of one girl can transform a peaceful society into one where hysteria, persecution, and deceit run amuck.

"The Crucible" by Arthur Miller chronicles the Salem witch trials that took place in the Province of Massachusetts Bay between 1692 and 1693. During the turbulent time period, trumped up allegations perniciously spread throughout the community about innocent women.

The seasoned actors tackle the poignant piece with unparalleled commitment and ardor as their intense characterization and emotion enhances the production.

Ruthie Flynn portrays a conniving Abigail Williams through fluid diction and sly physicalization. Flynn's darting eyes and fleeting behavior mirrors her anxiety as the town suspects her of causing Betty Parris' sudden illness.

In juxtaposition to Flynn's manipulative nature lies Nicholas Rule as John Proctor, the down-to-earth and hardworking protagonist who secretly had an affair with Williams. Rule demonstrates notable stage presence with a ground-shaking voice and an exceptional inflection to match.

The costume design team, Paige Parsons, Andrea Martinez, and Mary Buckey, effectively plays off of the contrasting personalities of Abigail and the rest of the community in their costume designs. Abigail's blood red dress deviates from the orthodox Puritan attire of clean, straight clothing and thus is indicative of sin and scandal.

While some characters lose lines in the fervor of their delivery, JeanneAnn Faris as Elizabeth Proctor eloquently recites her lines with clarity and evident understanding. Beyond her impressive articulation, Faris shares tremendous chemistry with Rule that evolves throughout the performance.

Joanna Pisano's portrayal of Mary Warren, the Proctor's introverted servant girl, is noteworthy as Pisano efficiently dives into Warren's profound emotion. Tears cling from Pisano's pleading eyes while Abigail asserts Mary is sending her "spirit" at her and the other afflicted girls.

Sound design by Tyler Cotner, who also portrays an impassioned Reverend John Hale, taps into the play's frenzied emotion. Cotner utilizes Soundscapes, dissonant noises that build upon another, such as thunderous claps, maniacal laughter, and hair-splitting screams to set a gloomy mood.

Santa Margarita's "Crucible" is not only theatrically compelling, but it also gives a voice to the victims of the trials who were falsely accused of nothing besides vulnerability.

Alex Galeana
Aliso Niguel High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Santa Margarita's "The Crucible".
WC 386
Darkness covers every single inch of the theater, captivating the audience with a feeling of omnipresent uncertainty. After a few minutes of tense filled silence, a unison of chanting voices encircle the stage, followed by the emergence of a dancing group of girls.

This dancing group of girls, however, prove be deadly. Fueled by a massive need for power, these girls use religious hysteria in order to ignite a string of executions in Salem.

Leading these girls is Abigail Williams (Ruthie Flynn) whose lust for John Proctor (Nick Rule) prompts her to stop at nothing to rekindle the flame of their forbidden love. Causing her to accuse Proctor's wife Elizabeth (JeanneAnn Faris) of witchcraft, a crime solely punishable by death.

This tragedy is a product of Santa Margarita Catholic's Talon Theatre Program. Featuring an ensemble of well-cast actors, Santa Margarita does an exceptional job in capturing the dangers of greed and hysteria displayed in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible".

Ruthie Flynn is triumphant as the manipulative Abigail Williams, a once innocent girl whose spirit has been curdled into something sinister. She presents Abigail's callous deception successfully, and delivers Miller's arduous syntax with unforced precision. JeannaAnn Faris compliments Flynn's performance with her brilliant portrayal of Elizabeth Procter. Faris's conservative performance, filled with occasional bursts of spite and regret, successfully shows Elizabeth's emotionally unstable nature.

Matching Faris's rendition of Elizabeth Procter is Joanna Pisano's casting as Mary Warren. Pisano reveals that she has an admirable ability of completely immersing herself into character, foreshadowing a successful acting career in her future.

Santa Margarita's use of "VoiceScapes" (dissonant musical compositions built upon the unconventional uses of human voices) further strengthens the cast's poignant performance. Led by Tyler Cotner (who also stars as Reverend Hale), the play's sound and composition department provides an atmosphere of tension and discomfort.

Nicholas Rule's set design, like his rendition of John Procter, is also great. He peruses the elements of a Poor Theater, making the stage very movable and practical. This style of theater emphasizes a connection between the audience and actors, creating chemistry between both sides.

Santa Margarita's "The Crucible" is intense, real and should not be missed. The construction of the set design, terrific scenic and lighting work, and first-rate acting all add up to create a truly gripping production.

Dalton Young
Tesoro
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Tension amidst the trials at Santa Margarita
WC 400
Reputations and relationships are put to the test in Santa Margarita's production of The Crucible that keeps the audience trembling in their seats.

Based on the events of the Salem witch trials, the story follows a small town that has been overcome by false accusations of witches. As chaos and corruption ensues, the townspeople have to decide for themselves if they believe what they hear. Through these tribulations, Santa Margarita demonstrates just how far some will go for the sake of their reputations.

With his booming voice and compelling presence, Nicholas Rule dominates the stage as John Proctor. Rule consistently walks upright and tall with clenched fists and head held high which bring confidence and vigor to the character. His intensity increases with every scene, whether he's slamming his fist in an attempt to defend himself or effortlessly tossing Mary Warren (Joanna Pisano) to the ground in a fit of rage. When finally facing defeat, Rule's energy certainly doesn't diminish as he falls to his knees in prayer, an impressive performance to witness.

Initiating the indictments is Abigail Williams played by Ruthie Flynn. Quick remarks and even quicker eyes that scan the room allow Flynn to establish a cunning nature from the beginning of the play. Even when she's not the focus on stage she stands in the corner, nervously biting her lips, and menacingly glancing at anyone against her. When entering the room, Flynn immediately commands attention from all with intimidation and fear that can be seen and heard in her face and voice.

Tyler Cotner as Rev. John Hale adds engaging character development and a satisfying contrast to the show with his initial genuine smile and calm demeanor. When first arriving in town, Cotner's warm, soothing vocal timbre and refreshing positive attitude provide as an anchor to the sanity against the original anarchy among the citizens. After realizing the truth behind the situation, Cotner begins to lose himself, storming out of the court room with outrage and later joining Proctor on his knees in prayer.

Sound design and original composition by Tyler Cotner compliment the subtle underlying tension in the room. He uses VoiceScapes, or unconventional sounds like snaps, humming, and clicking, to create an ominous feel that fills the air and heightens the discomfort and uneasiness of the show.

Santa Margarita's The Crucible highlights the importance of reputation within hysteria.