The Crucible

Presented by Tom and Meg Stallard

The Crucible
By ARTHUR MILLER

March 20-April 4, 2026

Week 1: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
Week 2: Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
Week 3: Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.

Box Office Information
Phone: (530) 666-9617
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Tues. 10:00a.m. to 1:00p.m.; Wed.-Fri 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

What is the show about?

Set in 1692 Salem, Massachusetts, The Crucible follows the eruption of mass hysteria in a close-knit town after a group of young girls is discovered dancing in the woods. To avoid punishment, the girls begin accusing townspeople of witchcraft, igniting a wave of fear that fractures the wider community. As the court demands confessions, respected citizens are forced to choose between self-preservation and truth. The accusations spiral into tragedy, revealing how lies, power, and fear can destroy a society from within. Written in 1953 by famed American playwright Arthur Miller, the play is in part an allegory for the anti-communist hysteria of the McCarthy era, exploring the dangers of false accusations and the abuse of power.

Content Advisory

Narrative Complexity: Ages 13+

Set in 1692 Salem during the witch trials, the story explores mass hysteria, moral conflict, and the consequences of fear-driven accusations. The story and its characters reflect the attitudes and social structure of the time, which include deeply ingrained sexism and racism. The layered themes and historically-accurate dialogue are most accessible to teens and adults.

Audiences should be aware that the play features:

References to witchcraft, possession, and the supernatural
Religious extremism and strict moral judgment
Manipulation and emotionally charged conflicts including scenes involving Tituba, an enslaved woman, that depict racism and forced confession
Discussion of adult themes, including adultery and physical abuse
Moments of simulated violence (slaps, being thrown to the ground)

Overall, The Crucible is a powerful historical drama best suited for mature audiences. Due to its intense themes and mature subject matter, parental guidance is strongly recommended for younger viewers.

★★★ = There's a lot of this.
★★☆ = There's some of this.
★☆☆= There's a bit of this.
☆☆☆ = Don't expect this.

Positive MessageS: ★★☆

The play explores themes of integrity, personal responsibility, and the courage to stand by the truth even in the face of immense pressure. It highlights the dangers of allowing fear and suspicion to override justice.

CHALLENGING MESSAGES: ★★★

The play confronts difficult topics including false accusations, public shaming, abuse of power, and the devastating impact of mass hysteria. Characters are forced to make complex moral choices under pressure, and the story does not shy away from the tragic consequences of fear and injustice.

Diverse Representation: ☆☆☆

Set within the historical context of Puritan New England, the story primarily reflects the social structure of the time. The play includes scenes involving Tituba, an enslaved woman from the Caribbean, that depict racism and forced confession.

Romance: ★★☆

The story includes references to an extramarital affair between two characters that drives much of the dramatic conflict.
Characters embrace and kiss at various points in the show.

Violence and Scariness: ★★★

The play contains intense emotional conflict; verbal threats of violence; accusations of witchcraft; depictions of hysteria; and references to imprisonment, execution by hanging, execution by pressing, and physical abuse. Many of these scenes may be unsettling for younger audiences.

This production includes some brief instances of stage violence, including slaps and actors being thrown to the ground and/or physically restrained by other actors.

Adult Language: ★★☆

Derogatory language is directed at female characters and people of color.

Drinking, Drugs, Smoking: ☆☆☆

None depicted on stage, but there are a few references to offstage characters drinking and abusing alcohol.

Photos courtesy of Michael Fortunato. Pictured above clockwise starting top left: Katie Smith-Induni as Abigail Williams, Kristarae Flores as Elizabeth Proctor, Colin Johnston as John Proctor, and Jared Albano as Reverend Hale.