Dixie State College of Utah’s Theatre Department will conclude its 2008-09 season with Pulitzer Prize winner Arthur Miller’s great American masterpiece, “The Crucible.” The production will run nightly April 2-4 and April 7-11, at 7:30 p.m., in the Dolores Dore’ Eccles Fine Art Center’s Main Stage Theater.
“The Crucible,” the winner of the 1963 Tony Award for Best Play, is set in Salem, Massachusetts, amid the chaos of the infamous Salem Witch Trials in 1692. Written as a reaction to the equally famous McCarthy Red Scare of the 1950’s, “The Crucible” serves as a cautionary tale for all times. As this modern classic unfolds, a timeless parable about lust for power, the power of fear and the abuses of unchecked authority, become evident.
“We are proud to close out our fantastic season with one of the great American plays,” says DSC Director of Theatre Varlo Davenport. “Even today, ‘The Crucible’ is a powerful example of how theatre and art reacts and reflects the society around it.”
The production will feature a talented cast made up of DSC theatre students and noted community actors. DSC alumnus Guy Smith will play the central character, John Proctor, with Melissa Erickson portraying his wife, Elizabeth Proctor, and Lindsay Cordell plays the part of the conniving Abigail Williams. “The Crucible” will also feature the talents of Scott Pederson, Ginger Jensen, Gabriella Noble, Miriah Kessler, Kristina Kessler, Roger Dunbar, Hannah Davenport, Rebecca Wright, Meleah Ridd, Josh Scott, Spencer Potter, Alex Gubler, Mitchell Christensen, Travis Cox, Mathew Hansell, Trey Paterson, Summer Shakespeare, Gabe Pederson, Noah Pederson, and violist Heather Fife.
“The Crucible is directed by DSC faculty member Michael Harding, who has previous directed DSC productions of “The Pirates of Penzance,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” and “I Hate Hamlet.” The production will also feature original music composed by DSC music department chair Glenn Webb.
Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (age 65-over) and $10 for youth (age 17-under). DSC students, faculty and staff may purchase tickets for $1 with a valid activity card. For tickets and further information, please call 435-652-7800 or visit the central campus ticket office at the DSC Avenna Center. Patrons may also purchase tickets prior to each evening’s performance at the Eccles Fine Arts Center Box Office or online at tickets.dixie.edu.
