Arthur Miller’s Tony award winning classic The Crucible, delves into the Salem witch trials of 1692. Set in Salem, Massachusetts, the plot centers on the hysteria that erupts when a group of girls, led by Abigail Williams, accuses fellow villagers of witchcraft. As the trials progress, the town is consumed by fear, paranoia, and a distorted sense of justice.
Miller’s narrative not only captures the historical context of the Salem witch trials but also serves as a powerful commentary on the dangers of mass hysteria and the consequences of blind conformity. The play remains relevant today as a cautionary tale about the fragility of justice and the ease with which fear can be manipulated for political or personal gain.
Credits
By Arthur Miller
Content Advisory
The Crucible contains negative depictions and mistreatment of people or cultures, as was common in the time period of the Salem witch trials. We believe it was Arthur Miller’s intent to depict these things as accurately as possible, so that we as a theatre community witness its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together.
Eden is excited to perform in The Crucible, which will be her second show with Dakota Stage. Her most recent performances include Emma at Bismarck State College and A Christmas Carol at Dakota Stage. In her free time, she enjoys making costumes and other crafts. Eden would like to thank her family and boyfriend, Wilbur, for their continuous support, as well as the cast and crew for being so welcoming.
Drew is very excited to be returning to the DSL stage for his sixth show with this lovely company! He was most recently seen as William Barfee in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and he was also in Capitol Shakespeare’s production of Hamlet this last summer as the Gravedigger. When not on stage, you can find him in front of a camera, live-streaming 3-4 days a week for Rock 30 Games on whatnot.com! He also provides the voice for the character of “Boss” in the internet cartoon “Big Shot and Friends.” Drew would like to shout out his puppy Barry, and his cat roommates for being the best living serotonin dispensers a man could ask for. Shoutout to the OG, Finn, as well. Love you Mom and Dad!
Jennifer Heinz has come home to DSL after more than a decade away, and is grateful for the opportunity to perform here again! Now reprising the role of Tituba after playing her at DSL 30 years ago, Jen has played many roles at DSL: crew, stage manager, costumes, props, AD, director, actor, etc, and has been blessed to work with a myriad of amazing people. Her former roles include Paulina in The Winter's Tale and Queen Margaret in The Tragedy of Richard III, both with Capitol Shakespeare. She is in her 10th year of teaching high school after many years in customer service. Jen wants to thank her husband Jay and son Micah for their neverending love and support!
Kaitlin Collins is very excited to be a part of her first production at Dakota Stage. She has recently been in Xanadu, Jekyll and Hyde, Emma, and more at Bismarck State College. When she isn’t on stage, she is studying English at the University of Mary or working with the State Historical Society. Kaitlin would like to thank her family and friends for their endless support, as well as the cast and crew for such a warm welcome to Dakota Stage.
Madison is so excited to perform in her first production at Dakota stage. She has been in theater since she was 8 performing on multiple stages through out her life, since she is originally from Oregon. Madison is also so excited to bring to life this deep and thought-provoking show! She would like to thank her loved ones for always supporting her through the craziness of theater.
Klarissa has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Performance with an Emphasis in Musical Theatre from Minnesota State University Moorhead. You might recognize her from Dakota Stage’s “Young Frankenstein” where she was Inga or Deirdre in “I Hate Hamlet.” She has performed & directed with MSUM’s Straw Hat Players, Bismarck State College, Sleepy Hollow and was formerly a Singing Gondolier at the Venetian Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Klarissa is thankful for her background in the arts and highly encourages people to get involved in any arts program.
This is Patrick’s 5th production with Dakota Stage, having previously appeared in “A Dusty Echo,” Steve Martin’s “The Underpants,” and a couple different productions of “A Christmas Carol.” Patrick is a huge fan of community theater and currently serves on the DSL Board of Directors. “I am always surprised when I get cast because I look around at all the amazing talent at Dakota Stage and can’t believe I get to be on stage with real actors!” Patrick would like to thank his wife and son for supporting his theatre addiction.
Aurora is excited to showcase her debut performance here at Dakota Stage and is thrilled to work with such a great cast and crew on this amazing show. This definitely won’t be her last! She would like to thank her family and husband, Chris, for their continual support, as well as Amanda and Dakota Stage for giving her this wonderful opportunity. Hope you enjoy the show!
Austin J. Flemmer graduated from Chadron State College with a Bachelors Degree in Theatre with an emphasis in Performance and Directing. In college he was awarded the Apha Psi Omega (from his peers), and the Chadron State College (faculty) Outstanding Actor, and Outstanding Actor in a Lead Role (respectively) in 2000, was the DSL Rising Star award winner in '04, and was the first ever Brady Award winner for Best Actor in a Lead Role in '11. He is extremely grateful to his family and friends for their continued love and support; and to you in attendance for this performance, and he hopes that you enjoy the play.
Kirsten is very excited to be part of the amazing cast of The Crucible, playing the “old lady” part! She last graced the stage as Grandma Kurnitz in List in Yonkers and has also played in Bonnie and Clyde and Nunsense with Dakota Stage. Kirsten would like to thank her husband, Wes, kids, and cats for their support throughout this show.
Juan is so excited to return to Dakota Stage. He has been seen in Bismarck in Sweeney Todd, Hamlet and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He was last seen playing the role of Mr. Pendleton in Choir Boy at the Little Theatre of Norfolk. Juan divides his time between Bismarck and Virginia Beach. He would like to thank his beloved wife Barbara and his ridiculous wiener dogs Bruno and Berta.
Nelson Abrego is thrilled to return to Dakota Stage for The Crucible. He couldn’t be more excited to show you all the hard work everyone has put into the show. Nelson has previously been seen onstage at DSL in their productions of Arsenic and Old Lace, The Last Five Years, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Spamalot. He wants to dedicate this performance to his lovely wife, Sierra, his cats, his family and his friends.
This is Amanda's 16th production with Dakota Stage, spanning over the last 20 years. She has performed in such plays as Doubt, Crimes of the Heart and most recently in A Dickens Christmas Carol, to name a few. She would like to thank Amanda Perry for giving her the opportunity to play such a dynamic character, the cast and crew for their dedication, and her husband Jeff for always supporting her theater endeavors.
Tim has been involved in more than a dozen productions for Dakota Stage, Capitol Shakespeare and Tru North since his first play, Twelve Angry Men, in 2011. He has also been a stage manager and worked sound and light tech for several other plays during that time. He is grateful to have had the opportunity to work with some of the best local actors and directors over the last few years, many of whom are in The Crucible. When he is not working on a play Tim spends his time volunteering at Dakota Stage and trying to find time to do some camping and fishing in the beautiful outdoors of North Dakota.
Ryan is a Bismarck native and is thrilled to return to Dakota Stage after a decade-long hiatus, where he last appeared in the production of Marcus is Walking. This marks his third production with Dakota Stage, and he couldn't be more delighted to share the stage once again with this remarkable community. Special thanks to his wife Lindsay and their two daughters for encouraging and supporting this return to the stage.
I have lived in the Bismarck/Mandan area most of my life, and this is my first show with Dakota Stage! Acting is one of my favorite hobbies, alongside writing, singing and other creative arts!
“. . a low-level employee in Sector 7 G”, that is from a very early episode of The Simpsons describing Homer’s job. That is exactly me, working in Information Technology for over 30 years. I want to thank Amanda for giving me this opportunity, and I want to thank the entire, very talented cast, on the stage, and off...they are all truly awesome!
TJ has been involved in several productions on and off stage. He loves the ever-evolving challenges and opportunities to learn. He is ceaselessly amazed at the talent in the community, and how strangers can come together in a few short weeks to accomplish the incredible as a team.
Ann Willoughby
Martha Corey / Sarah Goode (Ann Putnam understudy)
Martha Corey / Sarah Goode (Ann Putnam understudy)
Ann Willoughby is making her debut with Dakota State, but her love for theater began at the age of five when she saw her very first play—an experience that clearly left a lasting impression! After years of being an enthusiastic audience member, she decided it was time to put her memory to the test, dust off her high school acting skills, and step into the spotlight. A world traveler thanks to both the military and a sense of adventure, Ann is now embarking on a different kind of journey—one that involves stage lights and script rehearsals. She finds inspiration in her daughter, Carly, whose expertise as a stage manager (and endless patience for Ann’s many, many questions) has given her the confidence to audition. Carly has also helped Ann challenge the age-old adage that “there are no stupid questions.” (Spoiler: There are, but she asks them anyway.) When not on stage, Ann plays a different kind of role—that of a soldier. She serves full-time with the North Dakota Army National Guard as the State Family Program Director, proudly supporting Service Members and their families. Whether in uniform or under the stage lights, she’s always ready to step up and perform!
People think she’s crazy for taking on three DSL shows in a row, but she’s was a previous ER nurse so what do you expect. Kathryn is incredibly excited to be a part of Amanda Perry’s version of The Crucible and to be around new and old friends showcasing a story that unfortunately is still a reality today. Kathryn would like to apologize to her dogs Fargo and Fiona for spending less evenings with them recently but she hopes the extra treats have helped.
Lex Belile is the current Administrative Assistant for Dakota Stage, and has been involved in theatre with Shade Tree and Dakota Stage since 2010. Her most recent shows include: Carrie (ensemble), Church Basement Ladies (Stage Manager), and The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (Choreographer). She also has a double masters degree in Business Administration and Philosophy, and currently teaches at BSC.
Production Team
Director
Amanda Perry
Assistant Director
Derek Pich
Stage Manager
Mary Fischer
Choreographer
Lindsay Masset
Costume Designer
Amanda Perry
Master Costumer
Greta Sandel
Scenic Designer
Amanda Perry & Brian Nelson
Master Carpenter
Pat Flanagan
Lighting Designer
Chris Roemmich
Sound Designer
G.E. Kuntz
Properties
Mary Fischer
Dialect Coach
TJ Doll
Intimacy Coordinator
Megan Krantz
Photography
Tom Chase
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