Muskegon Community College’s (MCC) Center for Theater is set to present John Proctor is the Villain, a compelling and humorous reimagining of Arthur Miller’s iconic 1953 play, The Crucible. This thought-provoking production will grace MCC’s Overbrook Theater stage October 26-29, offering audiences a fresh perspective on a timeless narrative.
John Proctor is the Villain, by new playwright Kimberly Belflower, infuses a contemporary flavor into Miller’s classic, blending optimism, pop music, and the complexities of coming-of-age. The play rejuvenates the familiar themes of the “witch hunt” and introduces a novel interpretation of characters like John Proctor and Abigail Williams.
Set in rural Georgia, a group of curious high school juniors are caught in the middle of town scandal as the #MeToo movement emboldens people in the community to come forward about their experiences of sexual assault. While simultaneously studying The Crucible in their honors Literature class and starting a Feminism Club on the side, the girls — and some boys — question who the real hero of the story is.
“This is a story for right now and Kimberly Belflower has struck a nerve. Over 30 colleges and high schools across the country are producing this play in the next 7 months — and the rights just became available a few months ago. It is a very exciting piece of theatre that will speak to those of us who grew up with The Crucible and those who are eager for fresh perspectives,” says Les Rorick, The Director of the Center for Theater at Muskegon Community College and the play’s director.
This production at the Overbrook Theater will be the Michigan premiere of John Proctor is the Villain. Showtimes are at 7:30 pm October 26-28 and at 3:00 pm on October 29. Tickets, which are $15 and $10 for MCC students and staff, are available by phone, at (231) 777-0324, and online at https://mccoverbrooktheater.ludus.com
Because this production depicts explicit language and references to sexual assault, the suggested audience is 14-years-of-age and older and parental guidance suggested.
The cast of John Proctor is the Villain includes Casey Gould as Beth, Gabi Tomes as Ivy, Rob Hentschel as Lee, Jamison Woy as Mason, Dana Hanson as Miss Gallagher, Tyler Ross as Mr. Smith, Annmarie Santos as Nell, Elise Lewandowski as Raelynn, and Rikki Ridout as Shelby. The ensemble features Tori Zuber, Oliver Seewald, Atticus Shealey, and Donnie Richards in understudy roles.
The production team, led by Stage Manager Natalie Wilson, includes Adam Batch and Indy Peacock as Assistant Stage Managers. Indy Peacock also takes on the role of Props Manager, while Al Connelly serves on the Wardrobe Crew. The creative team consists of Director Les Rorick, Assistant Director Natalie Wilson, Scenic Designers Andrew Patten and Les Rorick, Props & Set Dressing Designer Allyson Paris, Costume Designer Susan Eyler, Lighting Designer Andrew Patten, Assistant Lighting Designer Adam Batch, Sound Designer Les Rorick, Intimacy Director Kristina McCloskey, and Dialect Coach Amy McFadden.
The Center for Theater, a component of MCC’s Arts and Humanities Department, provides theater classes and a diverse schedule of theater and dance performances and touring productions. Muskegon Community College offers over 80 areas of student and variety of community resources including free planetarium shows, a natural area, science museum, health and wellness center, and more. Visit www.muskegoncc.edu to learn more.
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