Small time theater with big time show

Yes, this is another one of those stories of ya gotta go see this play, small time theater with big time talent stories.

John Proctor was there tonight in The Crucible on the B-G Highschool stage in front of a disapointing, crowd of about fifty. Scott Jerauld brought him to life. Under Marilyn Cotter's direcetion Scott brought in a large performance, consistantly strong, ranging in emotion but more than that in understanding. More people should have seen this. The final show is tomorrow night and we most strongly encourage you to get out and enjoy it.

Still relevant to life in these United States today The Crucible story speaks to human weakness and social weaknesses, in a time of fear of the unknown. Unable to draw themselves above the fear of the known outside attackers and the unknown evil within, Arthur Miller's characters turn to paranoia and vengance. In perfect tragic irony it is their own acts of desperate self preservation that destroy the people of Salem Village, a true tale, for the ages. Miller shows how when people lose their sense of community and fear the unknown, clinging to lies in lieu of trust they will turn on each other and lose themselves in a bargain with the devil they cannot even percieve they are making.

Moriah Dohner, another surprise, commanded the stage as she frightened those attending with steely deception. Rare indeed is it that a small regional theater company can produce two such performances, generating on the one hand sympathy and admiration and on the other animosity and fear. Mr Jerauld and Ms Dohner respectively, pulled off this feat tonight.

Our favorite Lisa Graney-Garror, as expected played a strong supporting role as Tituba. Ken Wilber and Rich Cuthberston as Rev Parris and Giles Corey also contributed strong performances.

Often in regional theater the performances are uneven, with one or two actors soaring, and one or two actors sticking out in a way that only a damaged thumb can appreciate.

Not so tonight. Even as the stars soared high above in stand out performances, the whole ensemble set an even standard of excellence most rare for groups of players such as this. We went in not expecting much, and were overwhelmed with the level of these performances.

A strong story, was done justice tonight in Bainbridge. These community players deserve stronger support.