Regional 'The Crucible' Transfers Off-Bway; Begins Feb.6

The Schoolhouse Theater and Mare Nostrum Elements presents a rare Off-Broadway revival of Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Arthur Miller's The Crucible at The Arclight Theatre. Directed by Pamela Moller Kareman, performances of this limited engagement begin February 6 with opening night scheduled for Saturday, February 9 at 6:30PM. This acclaimed regional production arrives in NYC from Croton Falls, New York.

"The Crucible, a historical play based on events of the 1692 Salem witchcraft trials, is a powerful and timeless depiction of how intolerance and mass hysteria can tear a community apart. When Abigail Williams is held under suspicion of practicing witchcraft, she in turn levels charges against her former employer, Elizabeth Proctor. In the wake of Abigail's charges, Reverend Parris begins hearing accusations and counter-accusations from all sides of the community, so he brings in a judge to determine who is guilty. A powerful parable about McCarthyism, the themes of religious persecution and the need for personal strength resonate to the present," explain press notes.

The Crucible opened on Broadway in 1953, winning the Tony Award for best play. There have been four subsequent Broadway revivals, most recently the 2002 Roundabout production starring Laura Linney, Liam Neeson and Kristen Bell. There have only been 2 previous Off Broadway revivals of this large cast work, one in 1958 and another in 1990 (also by Roundabout, at The Union Square Theater). The Crucible is Miller's most-performed work in America and throughout the world.

The production stars Kevin Albert, Terry Ashe-Croft, Keith Barber, Virginia Barber, Stephanie Bayliss, Sarah Bennett, Sari Caine, Lauren Currie Lewis, Tyne Firmin, Jennifer Hildner, George Kareman, David Licht, Simon MacLean Cheryl Orsini, David Rigo, James S. Smith, Bruce Smolanoff, Sherry Stregack, John Tyrrell, and Walita with lighting by David Pentz, set byJohn Pollard, costumes by Kimberly Matela and sound design & original music by Matt Stine.

The Crucible runs February 6 - March 2. Show times are Wednesdays at 2pm; Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm; and Sunday at 2pm, with added shows February 6 & 27 at 7:30pm.

The Arclight Theatre is located at 152 West 71st Street. Tickets are $40, $35 for students and seniors. For tickets and information call 212-352-3101 or visit www.TheaterMania.com.