The Crucible
at Lake Braddock Secondary School

Reviewed on May 5, 2017

Maya Koch
Annandale High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

Arthur Miller's 1953 play "The Crucible" is unquestionably an important part of American history. High-schoolers across America read it as part of their class curriculum, analyzing it and the subject of its allegory, the HUAC hearings and McCarthyism. At its core, "The Crucible" exposes the hypocrisy and arbitrary reasoning of authority, and shows us the dangers of not stopping to question the powers that be. Director R.L Mirabal and Lake Braddock Secondary School Theatre know that this message is especially relevant to the America of today, perhaps more than ever, and have presented a hauntingly powerful rendition of this classic play.

Amid a whirlwind of accusations, executions, and false confessions in the Massachusetts Bay Colony town of Salem, one man stands resolute: John Proctor, a local farmer, and something of a rebel. Dylan Gottlieb portrayed this character with a befitting air of dignity and simple honesty, but when provoked, he was consumed with a harsh, fiery rage. However, it was when Proctor was at his lowest that Gottlieb truly shone. With a ragged voice that shook with grief and a thorough knowledge of his own impotence in the face of injustice, Gottlieb shook the audience to its core.

Abigail Williams, the ringleader of the "Afflicted Girls" who orchestrated the witch hunt, was played by a fierce Kim Salac. Salac came across as cunning and desperate, whether it be through the tenuous grace with which she handled others directly, or through her vigilance when it seemed no one was paying attention to her.

The Reverend John Hale (Tim Ellis) an expert in witchcraft and demonology was sent to assist with the proceedings in Salem. His mild manner and thoughtful maturity meshed well with his role, as well as to the overall sense of realism. Madison Hite as the Proctors' housemaid Mary Warren was both restrained and explosive with her temperament, shifting easily from quivering, barely able to contain her tears, to all-out bawling. Nalani Mason handled her brief role as Tituba, Reverend Parris' Barbadian slave, with a set of striking mannerisms that rang true to the battered state of her character. Another minor character was Goodwife Rebecca Nurse, played by Diana Sudak, who struck the audience with her air of respectability, which made it even more funny when certain humorous lines were delivered straight.

The set, designed by Diana Sudak, incorporated a set of platforms on either side of the stage, creating levels that emphasized the power of individual characters in each scene. A set of stained glass windows hung overhead, illuminating the proceedings with the blinding light of the church. The color design all throughout was internally consistent, with costumes (impeccably researched and designed by Emily Smith), lights (designed by Natalie Hill), and set—all complimenting each other. The intricate makeup (designed by Natalie Carreiro) that detailed age and wear with stunning precision was easily the highlight of the technical aspects. Carreiro made complicated makeup changes between the second and third acts, and employed false mustaches and beards made of actual human hair.

At the end of an emotionally charged 3-hour long play, one is left both awed and exhausted. However, in the time following the performance, one is left to ruminate on what one can do in the face of injustice. It is here where Lake Braddock Secondary School Theatre truly succeeds- inspiring action from what may well have remained inaction.

Callie Gompf-Phillips
Montgomery Blair High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

Lake Braddock's The Crucible, horrifically pertinent in our day and age, demonstrates the raw power of fear-mongering and division.

The Crucible was written in 1953 amidst the anxiety and paranoia of the McCarthy Era. Loosely based on stories from the Salem Witch Trials in the late 17th century, the Crucible tells the story of a town driven into frenzy by a group of young girls who claim they can see spirits. Much like the McCarthy trials, the girls sit amongst the court and titter and scream accusations of witchcraft at whomever they please. The cast and crew captured the solemn intensity of the story and brought the desperation of the era to life.

Dylan Gottlieb starred as Mr. John Proctor, the only man in town who tries to invalidate the "afflicted" girls' claims. With a hypnotic drawl, Gottlieb embodied Proctor's effortless steadiness and grounded character. Gottleib's performance utilized a highly mature emotional subtlety that made Proctor human. However, there is no story without the infamous Abigail Williams and her conniving, manipulative ways. Kim Salac was nothing short of terrifying as Williams. The contrast between her demon screeches and loving whispers to Proctor was astounding.

Tim Ellis was a stand-out as the gentle, kind-hearted Reverend John Hale. J. Carlin Decker III was similarly extraordinary as the formidable Governor Thomas Danforth. Decker masterfully expressed the maturity and seriousness expected of a Governor. Nalani Mason was heartbreaking as Tituba. Other notable performances include Roger Clanton as Reverend Paris, Diana Sudak as Rebecca Nurse, and Erin Rose Coughlan as Elizabeth Proctor.

The design elements of the show contributed to the eerie tragedy of the performance. Natalie Hill's stunning light design painted beautiful sunsets across the stage and, by playing with depth and color, created a distinct sense of time and place throughout the show such as cool nighttime in the woods, and intimate evenings in the Proctor cabin. Additionally, the makeup designed by Natalie Carreiro completely and convincingly transformed the cast into liver-spotted, mustachioed judges and white-haired farmers. Many of the cast members are barely recognizable from their photos in the program. The set, designed by Diana Sudak, featured elegant stained-glass windows and a looming cross, a reminder of the ever-present, and foreboding presence of religion in the story. Although the play calls for an intensity and significance, the performance could have benefitted from picking up the pace and some variation in tone.

Lake Braddock's production of The Crucible was profound.

Elijah Williams
J.E.B. Stuart High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

Lake Braddock High School was transformed into 1692 Salem, Massachusetts, for a night with their performance of Arthur Miller's classic drama, "The Crucible."

"The Crucible," written in 1953 by esteemed American playwright Arthur Miller, tells the story of the Salem Witch Trials in which 20 out of 200 people accused of witchcraft were hanged. Miller wrote the play as a cutting allegory for McCarthy-ism as well as the insanity and mob-mentality brought on by the Red Scare.

Leading the cast with guile and art, John Proctor, portrayed by senior Dylan Gottlieb, does a fantastic job of showing the multifaceted and complex nature of the part. Starting as a strong-willed and hearty man and ending as a man not quite broken, Gottlieb's performance ranged from inspiring to heart-wrenchingly moving, the final act being especially tragic. Gottlieb's performance was stunning at times. His change of heart at the very end of the show was delivered with power and passion.

As the Machiavellian Deputy Governor Thomas Danforth, J. Carlin Decker III did a wonderful job of portraying the older judge with an undeniable maturity rarely seen in high school theatre. His subtle and effective performance showed a conflicted but villainous man intent on upholding the law.

The conniving and manipulative Abigail, played by Kim Salac, shone as the main accuser and villain of the show. Salac played the border-line evil Abigail with strength and grace, showing a large range of emotions from quiet and withdrawn to shouting and writhing. She shone in the courtroom scene in which she appeared bewitched and controlled, falling into fits of screaming or a zombie-like state. This was all done very effectively.

On the tech side of things, sets were made up of two small platforms and a gate in the center which acted as the main entrance into the scene. Each platform served multiple purposes and was transformed from a bedroom to a court stand between acts. The lighting was beautiful during transitions though slightly monotonous during the first two acts. The third act was underscored by a beautiful backdrop with the light slowly increasing through its duration as the sun rises.

Overall, Lake Braddock High School did a fantastic job translating the difficult and lengthy work into a beautifully concise and moving show.

William Rangel-Cardozo
Annandale High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

How far could a lie from a couple of backed up, troubled teenagers go? Far enough to result in everyone in their quaint colony in Massachusetts being ordered to the cramped jail, constantly under threat of hanging. But it was just a lie, right?

"The Crucible," a tragedy by the American playwright Arthur Miller, was written in 1953 and first performed at the Martin Beck Theatre that same year. It's 1690's rural Massachusetts. A couple of young school girls were recently caught dancing naked in the woods by an aged Reverend Parris. One of the school girls, Abigail Williams, finds an opportunity to safely get the girls around any trouble and begins a series of false accusations. One by one, townsfolk are taken into custody under suspicion of possible witchcraft, until one such towns person is identified as Elizabeth Proctor, the honest and goody wife of John Proctor who will stop at nothing to safely get his wife back.

Dylan Gottlieb proficiently plays the arc of John Proctor's degradation. In the first act, he is a well-fit yet homey fatherly figure, as seen through his stern glance and commanding tone. By the end of the play, he is a dreadful mess having lost all but his name, as showcased through his weary and uncertain tactics. Another eye catcher is J. Carlin Decker III as Deputy Governor Thomas Danforth. Decker swiftly commanded the stage through his prioritizing glances and noticeable beat changes, yet also it can be credited that the interpretation for the character was surely captivating.

Also in need of mentioning is Kim Salac as Abigail Williams. Salac gripped the audience with her intense and vociferous interpretation of Abigail Williams. This can plainly be seen in the scene where Abigail Williams and the other girls are testifying against the proof presented by John Proctor, and during the court session when they begin to frantically act possessed by the powerful witchcraft of Mary Warren, one of John Proctor's witnesses. The entire cast has talent reserves to spare and can be showcased through any scene witnessed, though room for improvement in regards to stage business should be noted.

Natalie Hill's lighting design added authenticity to the show by supplying an eerie lighting to represent the day's shift to night, which gripped the audience's attention at certain points throughout the play. The makeup to represent age was remarkable, having not only age lines but also liver spots and bags under the eyes.

If you're in the market for an engrossing story, skilled acting, and animated tech, hop into "The Crucible" at Lake Braddock's Theatre for a bewitching time.

Maille Smith
James Madison High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

To suffer and die righteously, or to abandon one's morals and live - in 1692 Salem, those accused of witchcraft grapple with this fateful dilemma, while accusers and executioners saturate a toxic lust for power with manipulative religious pretext to promote personal gain at all costs. Vicious accusations fly as relationships are tested to their breaking points in Lake Braddock High's evocative production of "The Crucible".

Written by Arthur Miller, "The Crucible" premiered on Broadway in 1953, earning a Tony Award for Best Play. Set in the heat of the Salem Witch Trials, The Crucible serves as a powerful allegory for McCarthyism and the House of Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) trials. In response to the controversial play, HUAC investigated Miller and he himself was blacklisted.

Centered around farmer John Procter's (Dylan Gottlieb) past extramarital affair with the young Abigail Williams (Kim Salac), The Crucible follows a trail of broken trust from a betrayed wife, to a vengeful lover, to a sickly society all too willing to forsake itself. Addressing tragedy and profound social messages, Lake Braddock's production proved maturely executed with excellent attention to technical details.

Displaying emotional depth and intensity as the aloof ex-lover, apologetic and adoring husband, and the iron-willed pariah, Dylan Gottlieb dazzles as John Proctor. Transforming from a swaggering assertive persona to a heartrendingly feeble one, Gottlieb leaves the audience reeling in the play's final poignant moments. As John's ever-patient wife Elizabeth, Erin Rose Coughlan masterfully embodies strength, selflessness, and quiet faith in the face of agonizing sacrifice. In disturbing contrast to Elizabeth's ever-present morality, Abigail Williams (Kim Salac) snaps from demure to seductive to satanic in seconds, revealing the psychological layers of a volatile egomaniac prepared to kill for a dead romance. Obsessed with her past liaison with John and bitterly resentful toward his wife, Abigail adroitly manipulates the court against all those who stand in her delusional path to John's heart.

A naïve accomplice to Abigail's scheme, Mary Warren (Madison Hite) strikes a sweet balance of moral rectitude and social insecurity; Hite paints a sympathetic image of a woman bound both by the desire to do right by God and the overpowering urge to be accepted by her authoritative idol, Abigail. Especially noteworthy were the captivating performances of Tim Ellis (Reverend Hale) and J. Carlin Decker III (Deputy Governor Danforth). As the morally torn Reverend who slowly realizes the true horror of the witch trials, Ellis creates a genuine character with which the audience easily sympathizes. In contrast, Decker's emotionally removed, power-hungry, quasi-robotic Danforth chills the stage in eerie self-righteousness as he sentences the innocent to hang. Although some actors lacked authenticity, the play's overall acting impressed.

Technically, a stunning stained glass window set, historically accurate costuming, and dynamic hair and makeup proved exceptional. Diana Sudak demonstrated creativity by taping lighting gels onto foam cutouts to create overhanging stained glass windows. The afflicted girls' color-coded dresses, handmade by Emily Smith, artfully juxtaposed visual uniformity with chaos. Natalie Carreiro's expertly done aging makeup, facial hair, and alterations to reflect physical suffering created an oppressive, surreal mood.

Ultimately, Lake Braddock's stirring production of "The Crucible" cannot answer whether one should perish righteously or live by forsaking one's values. But through the cast and crew's unrelenting energy, remarkable skill, and powerful message, the audience left with much to ponder.

Natasha Shukla
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

At first glance the Salem Witch Trials of 1962 seem casually distant, almost irrelevant, but Lake Braddock Secondary School's production of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" casts this chapter of history as just as pertinent as ever. In an age stilted by social and political unrest, this timeless play's emphasis on justice and righteousness leaves us with a broadened perspective vital to today's climate. Though Miller's most memorable work is a difficult one to perform, the cast and crew at Lake Braddock delivered a potent story that was both mature and spirited.

Dylan Gottlieb as John Proctor provided a masterful character arc that carried his character through his dilemma, showing off an impressive control over his range of expression. Gottlieb's playfully buoyant Proctor is almost unrecognizable by the last act, where his most intense and mature talent is showcased in a defeated man awaiting his execution.

Erin Rose Coughlan as Goodwife Elizabeth Proctor complemented her scene partner Gottlieb excellently with her matronly stature and heartwarming chemistry with her husband.

Abigail Williams (Kim Salac) delivered justice to her role as the demonic, possessed maiden with little remorse for her casualties. She also added great depth to each scene by maintaining delightfully engaging facial expressions from any corner of the stage.

Nalani Mason was absolutely magnetic as Tituba, with a captivating stage presence suited for her spiritually charged character. Goodwife Rebecca Nurse (Diana Sudak) was properly gentle yet strong-willed, providing a much needed voice of reason and the occasional bout of humor. Also notably strong was the ensemble of afflicted girls, speaking in a haunting unison with expertly synchronized motions.

Lake Braddock's rustic set was carefully laid out in a versatile orientation, which allowed for fluidity between scenes as well as an elegant sort of simplicity that did not detract from the performers. Dangling above the stage were three beautifully adorned stained glass windows, the center one of which bore a cross, tying together the central themes of the play in one visual motif overlooking the production.

The lively lighting featured many colored backdrops indicating the time of day. In one particularly elaborate lighting display, the colors changed ever so slowly from deep purples and orange to a pale blue to signify daybreak in real time. These dynamic changes were balanced by the subtle warm wash of light across the full stage, which contrasted well with tightly lit scenes skirting the edge of the stage.

The play featured some sound effects, but not all of them blended seamlessly into the story. Some cast members were lacking with regards to their annunciation, but they were able to correct themselves frequently enough to make up for it. Additionally, the makeup and costumes departments each played phenomenal attention to detail in a way that ensured that the offstage stories (such as those between time jumps) were still told.

With a clear show of dedication, Lake Braddock Secondary School lifted Miller's words to life today in an eerie yet sensible production of "The Crucible".

Bailey Bane
James Madison High School
Submitted for publication to Bear Facts

Accusations of witchery, paranoia over dealings with the Devil, and plagues of hysteria are best presented with abounding severity and austerity as performed by Lake Braddock High School's "The Crucible". Inspired by the Red Scare, the story told of the seventeenth century witch trials with intensity that kept the audience reveling in the drama of suspicion and brutal consequence.

Written as a reaction to McCarthyism and serving as a metaphorical comparison to the time's persecution of communists, Arthur Miller's drama first appeared on Broadway in 1953 at the Martin Beck Theater. Since its 1953 premiere, "The Crucible" quickly became a classic and an influential player in the development of American drama. Set in 1692, the play details a series of trials involving witchcraft and dealings with Lucifer. Following assertions by a group of young girls claiming to be afflicted by witchcraft, the people of Salem, Massachusetts viciously turn on one another as all trust diminishes and the court system turns awry.

Dylan Gottlieb, in the leading role of Mr. John Proctor, displayed remarkable character development, as he impressed the audience with his ability to fulfill the many depths of his character. Gottlieb's attention to detail, combined with an unparalleled intensity, enhanced his performance as he delivered an incredibly realistic characterization. Kim Salac nicely countered Gottlieb in the role of Abigail Williams. Williams delivered a consistent performance that demanded the audience's recognition even when she wasn't speaking. Her facial expressions gave the audience additional insight into her character, exhibiting an impressive depth of characterization by Salac. Together, they created immense stage presence as they flawlessly depicted two difficult characters to portray.

The show's supporting cast members further developed the mood of the production. J. Carlin Decker III, portraying Deputy Governor Thomas Danforth, was the highlight of the night; his stern approach and substantial stage presence proved perfect for the intensity of the plot. Nalani Mason gave another impressive performance, in the role of Tituba. Mason exhibited remarkable physicality as she interacted with the other members of the cast. She quickly stole the audience's sympathy with her cagey mannerisms as she threw herself to the ground in insubordination. Contributing to the show's realism was Tim Ellis in the role of Reverend John Hale. Ellis brought substantial maturity to his role, his authority distinguishing him from the other members of the male cast.

Exceptional technical aspects of the production enhanced the tense atmosphere delivered by the actors. Stained glass windows hung from the ceiling enforced the looming presence of the church throughout the production. Natalie Hill's lighting design complemented the stained glass well, truly bringing together the setting of Salem. The show's realism is also attributable to Natalie Carreiro's makeup design. Carreiro's old age makeup, most notably on Deputy Governor Thomas Danforth, was another standout element of the production.

Well planned and well executed, this performance by Lake Braddock High School was one of technical and dramatic strength, procuring the cast and crew a standing ovation for their portrayal of "The Crucible".

Michelle Uchitel
James Madison High School
Submitted for publication to Bear Facts

Puritans, secrets, and witchcraft... These words describe a tale of revenge, secrecy, and an innate fear of the unknown. "The Crucible", produced by Lake Braddock Secondary School, is a play based upon historical events that brings these very concepts to life on the stage.

This acclaimed literary work tells the story of the town of Salem during the Salem witch trials. In it, a young girl named Abigail Williams seeks to reclaim the love of a man who regrets his past mistakes, and in her conquest she causes mass hysteria regarding witches, leading to the murder of much of the town. While it is based on historical events, the characters and details of the story are primarily fictional. "The Crucible" was written as an allegory for the Red Scare, a time in which there were mass accusations of communism, spearheaded by a congressman named Joseph McCarthy. The fearful allegations of witchcraft in the story closely parallel the events of the Red Scare.

One standout character in this production was John Proctor (Dylan Gottlieb). Gottlieb brought a fantastic intensity to the character that punctuated all of his actions and emotions. From anger to hopelessness, his character arc invoked raw emotional reactions from the audience and kept them invested in the story. Nalani Mason, (Tituba) was another exceptional presence on the stage. Her physicality was magnificent. Her nervous motions and fearful demeanor created a memorable and believable character. Reverend John Hale (Tim Ellis) had good character development, starting out as a man who was confident in his actions, and slowly becoming more discontent with the proceedings in Salem until he realizes what these witch trials were no longer based on justice or truth. Rebecca Nurse (Diana Sudak) and Judge Danforth (J. Carlin Decker III) were two more characters that stood out. Though these characters vastly differed from one another, both brought a good stage presence and energy to their performances.

The makeup for this production was greatly detailed and realistic. They transformed the actors from young to old, adding more than just wrinkles to the characters. Between Acts 2 and 3, a significant amount of time has passed and there were some dramatic changes in the physical appearances of the characters, which was well executed. The costumes for this show were well thought out; each actor had a color assigned to their character that correlated with a trait that the character possessed. Some of the costumes however, were ill fitting, though overall they fit the time period very well and were well designed. The set was admirably constructed, with several characteristics that detracted from the quality of the scenes. However the hay sprinkled on the stage in the last act added a nice touch to the scene.

Lake Braddock Secondary School's production of "The Crucible" brought the fear and intensity of the Salem witch trials back to life on the stage, and encapsulated the very heart of this allegorical show.