The Crucible

Some artistic works have become so associated with their meaning at the particular time they were created that we forget how powerfully relevant they can be for contemporary viewers. Arthur Miller may have written The Crucible in 1952 in response to the Communist fear-mongering of Joseph McCarthy, but there’s far more going on than ideas that mattered just in the 1950s.

Of course, the plot itself never makes mention of Communism or McCarthy, dealing as it does superficially with events in Salem, Mass., in 1693, as community leaders fear the influence of witchcraft over the town’s young women. John Proctor, the play’s voice of temperance and reason, finds himself potentially under suspicion as past indiscretions come home to haunt him—and Miller explores how any sin can be turned to the advantage of those who want to use fear as a weapon. Veteran local actor Max Robinson, as Judge Danforth, joins an impressive cast for a tale that matters as much now as it ever has. (Scott Renshaw)

The Crucible @ The Grand Theatre, 1575 S. State, Salt Lake Community College, 801-957-3322, March 8-24, 1/2 Price Preview Night March 7, Matinees March 10 & 17 at 2pm, No Showing March 21, $10-$24. The-Grand.org