m a s t e r a r t s . o r g
*THE CRUCIBLE is historical drama set against the backdrop of the Salem Witch trials. As such, it contains some intense and possibly disturbing themes and situations. Parents are advised to use discretion in considering whether to attend with their children, especially those under 13.
THE CRUCIBLE by Arthur Miller is a historical drama highlighting real events and people from America's early history in Salem, Massachusetts. The story focuses upon a young farmer, his wife and a young servant girl who maliciously causes the wife’s arrest for witchcraft. The farmer brings the girl to court to admit her lie, and it is here that the monstrous course of bigotry and deceit is terrifyingly depicted. Instead of saving his wife, the farmer suddenly finds himself accused of witchcraft along with a host of others in the community. This powerful cautionary tale reminds us all of the dangers of prejudice and rushing to judgement.
Winner of the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play.
Director: Walter Riegler
Assistant Director: Lev Liceaga
THE CRUCIBLE runs March 2 - 18, 2023 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm, and Saturday afternoon matinees at 2:00 pm.
Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors (63+) and $14 for students. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.masterarts.ludus.com or by calling the Master Arts box office at (616) 455-1001. Box office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.
THE CRUCIBLE is presented with permission from Dramatists Play Service, New York, NY.
The Cast
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John Proctor . . . James Quatrine
Parris . . . Roy Black
Putnam . . . Joe Croesser
Corey . . . Ron Hurd
Danforth . . . Pat Hendren
Hale . . . Brenden Thiel
Cheever . . . Joel Mitchell
Elizabeth Proctor . . . Julianna Warners
Anne Putnam/Sarah Good . . . Lisa Chevalia
Abigail . . . Lavender Gunderman
Mary Warrenn . . . Mary Fennema
Mercy Lewis . . . Kahrynn Aaliyah
Suzanne . . . Emmalyn Burri
Tituba . . . Madison Coykendall
Betty . . . Fiona Bergin
Rebecca Nurse . . . Brenda Riegler
Judge Hathorn . . . Rod Zamarron
Francis Nurse . . . Bob Rose
Willard . . . Matt Gommesen
Stage Whispers
Kahrynn Aaliyah (Mercy Lewis)
Audiences may recognize Kahrynn from her past MAT roles as Tilly in GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER and Ms. Campbell from LIFE DERAILED. Kahrynn has bee acting since age 7 and has performed at many theaters in the Mid and West Michigan areas. They are very excited to return to the stage after a few months away due to a leg injury. In their free time Kahrynn enjoys art, time with friends and fixing up their RV.
Fiona Bergin (Betty Parris)
Fiona was most recently seen in A CHRISTMAS CAROL here at Master Arts, but also appearedin Fiddler On the Roof at Igloo Theatre, Snow White and the Black Forest at Children's Creations, and Beauty and the Beast at Grand Rapids Chrisitian High School. Fiona has enjoyed getting to act insane and scream at people, but also getting to portray a more villianous character . . . it's always more interesting!
Roy Black (Reverend Parris)
Roy is veteran of the Master Arts stage, but has appeared in many local theatre productions all across the area. Some of his highlights here at Master Arts are Jed Clampett in THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, all your favorite characters (😉) in AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS and most recently as Matt Drayton in GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER. "Thanks for continuing to support live theatre."
Emmalyn Burri (Susanna Walcott)
Emmalyn has appeared as Princess Victoria in THE PRINCESS AND THE PAUPER, Imogene in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, and the Child in THE SINGER. "This has been a dream show of mine for years, and I'm so excited to be in this production! Pray, take care of yourself, and be kind."
Lisa Chevalia (Anne Putnam/Sarah Good)
Lisa has appeared in several local productions, and recently joined the Board of Directors here at Master Arts. She graduated with a theatre minor from Calvin University. Lisa has enjoyed her characters, the cast and working on an alley stage for the first time. "This show has been a challenge and a joy to work on. I'm so grateful for Master Arts and the welcoming and wonderful community here. I have been so blessed and the glory belongs to God."
Maddie Coykendall (Tituba)
Maddie acted and worked backstage in middle school, and has been very active here at Master Arts, appearig in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER and THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. Maddie has enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people. "The theater is my home. The people are great and it always beats the high school life and college classes. If I'm not on the stage, I'm on the field being a human wrecking ball in soccer."
Joe "Yeoman" Crosser (Thomas Putnam)
Joe appeared most recently in A CHRISTMAS CAROL here at Master Arts, but has also been seen on the stages of Holland Community Theatre and West Michigan Savoyards. He has enjoyed learning, but also getting to know all involved. Joe says, "It's never too late to try something new. Do not let yourself get lost in routine. Live live!"
Mary Fennema (Mary Warren)
Mary first appeared on MAT's stage in THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW last summer as Queen Jadis, but she has also been in productios at the Homeschool Ancillary Building (Pilgrim's Progress and Goldilocks on Trial) Shadblow Theatre (Oliver! the Musical) and Foursquare Church (The Astonishing Chase). Mary has enjoyed working with the great cast, and learning more about the Salen Witch Trials. "As a shy person, being in this production really helped me to open up and identify with my character."
Matthew Gommesen (Marshal Willard)
Matthew just wrapped up the role of Clayton in Stage GR's production of Disney's Tarzan: the Musical. He done many roles here at Master Arts and many other theaters in his 20+ years of doing shows.
Lavender Sky Gunderman (Abigail Williams)
Master Arts audiences will recognize Lavender from her previous appearance on our stage in A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Lavender works as a daycare worker and teacher's assistant at East Martin Christian Elementary School. Welcome to the Master Arts family, Lavender!
Ron Hurd (Giles Corey)
Ron has been in 15 plays over the last 20 years here at Master Arts, including Scrooge in CHRISTMAS CAROL, SEE HOW THEY RUN (his first), IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, FATHER KNOWS BEST and IMAGINARY INVALID (his favorite) and many more. He has enjoyed working with a lot of good people, developing his character, and helping to fulfill his passion for the theater. "I would like to thank my family for allowing me freedom to pursue my passion for the theater. It has been been a pleasure working with all the talent you will see today. Thanks to our director, Walt, who makes each scene become reality. And last but not least, thank YOU, the audience, for supporting Master Arts Theatre. Enjoy the show!"
James Quatrine (John Proctor)
This is James' second time on stage with Master Arts, the first being COPENHAGEN. He has also performed for StageGR, Heritage Theatre and Jewish Theatre. "It's great to be back with the wonderful folks at MAT, and I feel priviledged to play John Proctor. I'm especially excited to perform along with my bestie Roy Black for the first time, and to be directed by Walt Riegler."
Brenda Riegler (Rebecca Nurse)
Brenda has appeared in several MAT productions, including HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, ENCHANTED APRIL (Rose), FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Golde), HORIZONS OF GOLD and BRIGADOON (Meg). Brenda has also been in productions at Jewish Theatre, Heritage Theatre and Pigeon Creek Shakespeare. Brenda has enjoyed working with this amazing group of actors.
Bob Rose (Francis Nurse)
Bob is a theatre icon, with 42 years experience directing high school theatre for Bay City All Saints, Grandville HS and currently Catholic Central HS and West Catholic HS here in Grand Rapids, and 7 shows for Heritage Theatre. "I've enjoyed the intimacy. I work in the PAC at Aquinas College which is an intimate space, but this is even more so! This is my third appearance in a performance of The Crucible. I find it's message ironic that it is so appropriate even today!"
B. Mackenzie Thiel (Reverend Hale)
B. Mackenzie has appeared in several productions here at Master Arts, as Phileas Fogg in AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, Bill Laverly in WHEN CALLS THE HEART, Anselmo in MAN OF LA MANCHA, and multiple roles in A CHRISTMAS CAROL and THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. He has enjoyed diving into the challenge of portraying Reverend Hale's journey from confident "devil-hunter" to a man of broken faith.
Juliana Warners (Elizabeth Proctor)
Juliana has appeared in A LITTLE PRINCESS (her MAT debut), HORIZONS OF GOLD and THE IMAGINARY INVALID here at Master Arts. Juliana has also performed in Steel Magnolias with the University Wits and Measure for Measure with Heritage Theatre. She adores the story of THE CRUCIBLE and has enjoyed the passion of this cast and crew. "I would like to thank my husband for talking me into auditioning anyway after I insisted I wouldn't get cast."
Rod Zamarron (Judge Hathorne)
Rod is a Grand Rapids stage veteran, having appeared most recently as Bob Cratchit in A CHRISTMAS CAROL here at Master Arts, as Elwood P Dowd in Harvey at Cedar Springs Community Players, and in the chorus of Turandot at Opera Grand Rapids. He has enjoyed digging into how we haven't really learned the lessons of the Salen Witch Trials or McCarthyism. "SUPPORT COMMUNITY THEATER!"
Lev Liceaga (assistant director)
Lev is a fixture here at Master Arts, working in some capacity on many shows. They assistant directed HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME last season, appeared as Aouda in AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS and has done propse for SO. MANY. SHOWS! "If you take anything away from this show, take to heart that we as people should be gracious and humble; that we should always be willing to reexamine and adjust our perspectives and values when new evidence presents itself; even if it disproves our previous standing. We must alwas be string for excellence and kindness towards our fellows on this earth."