The Crucible (by Arthur Miller) is inspired by the witch trials in Salem Village in 1692 and won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1953. 

A group of young girls in the town is caught dancing in the forest, which was forbidden. To avoid admitting the truth when caught, they accuse each other and the enslaved woman Tituba of witchcraft. When the accusations spiral out of control and his wife Elizabeth is arrested, John Proctor tries to discredit the “afflicted” girls as liars, but is condemned as a witch himself. 

Arthur Miller wrote the play during the Communist “Red Scare” of the 1950s. The play is a parable of what happens when hearsay is taken as fact and accusation presumes guilt. The play depicts a timely illustration of how a society can fall apart due to fear and suspicion based on false and unfounded accusations.

 Directed by Marianne Phinney, the cast of this Needham Community Theatre production are experienced professional-quality actors from Needham, Westwood, and surrounding towns, and are looking forward to presenting this timely allegory to you.

 Performances are at Newman Elementary School, 1155 Central Avenue, Needham, on the following dates and times:

• Friday May 10, 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 11, 8:00 p.m.
• Friday, May 17, 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 18, 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday May 19, 2:00 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased for $25 Adult; $20 Seniors, Students & Children;  $15 Groups of 10 or more attending the same performance

For more information, visit www.needhamtheatre.org or call 781-343-1830