Utah Tech Theatre Presents – John Proctor is the Villain

Utah Tech Theatre Presents – John Proctor is the Villain

November 9-18, 2023.

Most of us studied “The Crucible” (or at least skimmed the SparkNotes version) in high school. Utah Tech Theatre Program’s latest production, “John Proctor is the Villain,” paints a stark, yet optimistic, reminder that Arthur Miller’s allegory of McCarthyism remains relevant today. The comedy/drama plays November 9 – 11 and November 14 – 18 at 7:30 PM in the Eccles Blackbox on the UT University campus.

In “John Proctor is the Villain,” playwright Kimberly Belflower reexamines this American classic and infuses it with adolescent perspective and popular culture to delve into power, love, and sex in the post-MeToo era. At a rural high school in Georgia, a group of lively teens study “The Crucible” while navigating young love, sex ed, and a few school scandals. Holding a contemporary lens to the American classic, they question who is the hero and what is the truth, discovering their own power in the process. Alternately touching and bitingly funny, this new comedy captures a generation in mid-transformation, running on pop music, optimism, and fury, writing their own coming-of-age story.

UT Theatre’s newest theatre faculty member, Zane Harris, who is the director of the show, says,  “With questions of women’s rights once again in the headlines, ‘John Proctor is the Villain’ is a timely commentary on gender politics, framed through the experience of young women. This play is relatable to all adults as it holds a lens to our complex, and sometimes unjust, society.” Harris hopes audiences leave the theatre having both experienced cathartic laughter and thoughtful insight into the plight many young women face, far more than anyone should be comfortable with.

The cast for “John Proctor is the Villain” plays high school juniors, their teacher, and their guidance counselor. The cast of seven includes,  Jared Shipley, Aubrey Sanders (Junior), Rachel Whyte-Freshman, Courtnee Ramos (Senior), Adalyn Enslen (Sophmore), Kailey Robinson (Junior), Mathew Hays (Senior), Tyce Pendleton (Junior), Carly Young (Senior), understudies, Emilia Kerbow-(Junior), Sophie Price (Freshman), and Kinslee Keddington (Freshman). Harris says about the cast. “You never really know what level of talent you are going to get out of the audition process, but I could not be more thrilled with the cast I have. Across the board, the talent and dedication I have been witness to will impress even the harshest critic.”

Joining the creative team alongside Harris are UT Students and Faculty: Stage Manager: Jaycie Montaño; Assistant Stage Managers; Sam Pope and Lauren Weigand, Assistant Director; Rook Reilley, Dramaturg; Allison Gibbes, Assistant Dramaturg; Joss Carlisle and Choreographer; Emma McAllister.

Technical design is in expert hands, featuring Scenic Design by Chelsea Richards (Associate Professor of Scenic Design), Costume Design by Rylan Benson, Technical Direction and Lighting Design by Henry Echeverria (Assistant Professor of Lighting Design and Technical Direction), Tyler Quincy Props Design, Charlie Cash, Sound Design and Joss Carlisle, School Announcement Playwright.

Admission to the performances is free of charge, with no advance ticket reservations required. Utah Tech Theatre Program encourages everyone to join and appreciate the work of their students. Attending these productions contributes to the growth and development of Utah Tech students. Additional information is available on the Utah Tech Theatre website: Utah Tech Theatre.

A talkback event is scheduled in conjunction with the Saint George Dove Center on November 10th and 18th. This talkback will address the issues presented in the show. It will also feature discussions about the work of the Dove Center and how they are addressing the issues we take on in the show, as well as a more traditional talkback featuring the cast and directorial team. Allison Gibbes will moderate the talkback.

Mark your calendars for “John Proctor is the Villian” performances, November 9 – 11 and November 14 – 18 at 7:30 PM in the Eccles Blackbox, in the Eccles Fine Arts Center at 225 S 700 E, St. George, on the Utah Tech University campus.

Content Advisory-PG 13: “John Proctor is the Villain,” contains racist and sexist microaggressions, depictions of grooming and abusive relationship dynamics, descriptions of sexual assault, and the depiction of forced physical contact.