FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/14/2011
Morgan Arts Council -- Berkeley Springs, WV
www.macicehouse.org

Press Contact only: Tom Brooks-- 304-258-8839

CRUCIBLE OPENS AT ICE HOUSE

BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV ---- The Crucible, Arthur Miller’s compelling drama about the 17th century witch trials in Salem, MA opens for seven shows at the Ice House on Friday, October 21 at 7:30pm.  Produced by the Morgan Arts Council as part of the Ice House Theater Project, the play is directed by Tom and Beth Brooks.  Additional performances are Saturday, October 22 at 7:30pm and Sunday, October 23 at 3pm.  The following weekend, October 27-30, shows are performed Thursday, 7pm; Friday and Saturday, 7:30pm and Sunday, 3pm.

Nearly 30 members of the community perform roles in the play ranging in age from 10 to 70 including a full contingent of pre-teen and teenage girls critical to the story.  A number of faces familiar to Ice House theater-goers have roles as well as several newcomers.  In addition to directing the play, Tom and Beth Brooks are also playing the main characters: John Proctor and his wife Elizabeth.  “This is our first time playing man and wife on the Ice House stage,” said Tom.  “Our last time performing together as a married couple was John and Abagail Adams in 1776.”

Beth Brooks also played a crucial role in designing and developing the unusual stage setting which aptly conveys the dark and often shadowy events of the production. Acting in full capacity as lighting designer, the unsettling atmosphere of the play gave teenage Logan Smailes the opportunity to showcase his skills learned through years of Ice House productions.  Another longtime Ice House Theater student, Zach Ziler, serves as stage manager.

Tom Brooks warns that audience members may be startled at the parallels between the historical events embedded in Miller’s award-winning play set in 1692 and those of today’s political climate.  Miller originally wrote the play in 1952 as an allegory of the Communist witch hunts undertaken by Senator Joe McCarthy at that time; it has since become of classic of American theater and adapted for both film and television.   “Although there are children on stage, we don’t consider the subject matter of this play appropriate for young children,” said Beth Brooks.

Reservations for performances can be made by calling 304-258-2300.  The Crucible is sponsored by Earth Dog Café, The Fairfax Coffee House and Panorama at the Peak.

The Ice House is located on Independence and Mercer in downtown Berkeley Springs.  Due to construction activity, entry for evening performances is through the south side door near the library.  Call to arrange for special accessibility assistance.