Providence High Arts Tackles Complicated Material in The Crucible

Providence High Arts Successfully Tackles Complicated Material in Production of The Crucible

Jeremy Kent Jackson PHS Faculty, Co-Director of DiscoveryOnstage

Providence High Arts’ recently-closed production of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, the 14th play produced in conjunction with DiscoveryOnstage, garnered rave reviews from audience, press, and adjudicators alike. Running for six nights (three of which were sold out), the show featured a double cast giving performance and production opportunities to nearly 50 Providence High students representing every class and level of experience.

An entry in the California Educational Theatre Association’s upcoming festival, three judges were present throughout the run and provided feedback that was beyond positive. One of them wrote, “The cast of Providence High’s The Crucible should be proud of their hard work and commitment to their roles. The performance I watched was full of energy and vigor. Some fine acting was displayed. They created a believable reality that was full of vivid characters. Their commitment was evident and the product was memorable. Bravo!” The cast now awaits their final score sheets that will determine whether or not they’ve earned an invitation to the CETA MainStage or Festival of Scenes. Produced uncut with two intermissions, this was a daunting undertaking by all involved and the students more than rose to the occasion. The reviewer from The Tolucan Times said it best when she wrote, "Never in my life would I have expected high school students to be able to tackle and convey the convoluted and complicated classic story that is The Crucible. Not only did the students of Providence High School accomplish this, but they also wowed with their superb acting and ability to memorize the complex language of the era.”

Providence High Arts Theatre and all involved certainly elevated expectations with this production and we look forward to the musical production of The Addams Family in March!