Skip to main content

Playbill | From the Program Director

Joshua Reaves, University Theatre program director

Welcome to University Theatre and welcome to Salem, MA. Today we dive into Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, our first show of the 2022-2023 season centered around Staying True to Yourself. The cast, the crew, and the staff of University Theatre are excited to share this American classic with you today.

As you look up from this program to view the scenery, you may notice the space does not reflect fifteenth century Salem, but rather a mid-century modern home nestled in the woods. We too are staying true to ourselves – and true to Miller’s intent – by setting this production solidly in the 1950’s during the red-scare. 

The Crucible tells an all too familiar story of the destructive power of mob mentality that played out during both the Salem witch trials of the late fifteenth century and the McCarthy hearings of the twentieth century. Miller easily connected the motivations of his contemporary Americans of the 50’s to the Puritans of the 1690’s while highlighting those who remain true to themselves no matter the cost. Although The Crucible was written almost seventy years ago, we believe you’ll find Miller’s work continues to ring true today. 

We are excited to share this theatrical experience with you today and to celebrate the opening of this year’s producing series.

As many of you know this will be University Theatre’s first show without our former director John McIlwee who passed away earlier this month. John’s love for the arts, his dedication to the students, and immeasurable talent shaped University Theatre into the program we know today. Thank you John, we saved your seat for you. 

All of us here at University Theatre hope you enjoy the show and hope to see you at the many theatrical experiences we have in store for the 2022-2023 season!

Joshua Reaves
Program Director, University Theatre