Steppenwolf Theatre Company Blog – Chicago Theater, World-Class Ensemble

The first night we young girls in The Crucible were booed at curtain call, it came as a bit of a shock. Yes, we understood it was for the characters not directed toward us as actors, but it was definitely a new experience. When I walked into the opening night party and was immediately greeted by a total stranger passionately chanting “Liar, Liar, pants on fire!” all I could do was laugh. After about the tenth person told me, “God, you were EVIL,” or “Damn, you were a cold bitch,” (and these are friends, by the way), I began to take pride in such reactions.

It’s not that I want people to think that Abigail is evil- I don’t think she is at all. Since I’m playing her, I’m invested in her point of view and feel a great deal of sympathy for every terrible happening she’s weathered in her seventeen lonely years. But such extreme responses do show us that the story is being told in a very provocative way and inciting strong emotional reactions. Score. (more…)

For the past few months I’ve been working with Annie Tully of the Chicago Public Library on a series of community readings for One Book, One Chicago. The plan was to have a reading of a scene and then a panel discussion about what play with a focus on Us. vs. Them and the dangers of fear. When I was a working journalist, I always enjoyed producing townhall meetings because if people care enough to come they usually have something interesting to say.

Last night’s event at the Avalon Branch of the library did not disappoint. Mary Williams, the Branch Manager, welcomed about 25 enthusiastic guests to the impressive new facility at 8148 S. Stony Island. Actors James Houton, Lori Meyer and Ericka Ratcliff captivated the crowd with a 15 minute reading from our production of The Crucible. The scene provided a look at the troubled relationship between John and Elizabeth Proctor and their foreboding upon first learning about the trials going on in the village from their new servant. Then, former state senator Alice Palmer and journalist and businessman Lee Walker shared their perspectives on what the play meant to them. (more…)

ABIGAIL: “Give me a word, John. A soft word.”
JOHN: “No, no, Abby. That’s done with.”

Uncover more moments from The Crucible.

Learn more about Steppenwolf’s Young Adult Council.

ensemble member John Mahoney

Cheryl Lynn Bruce

conductor Josephine Lee and the Chicago Children’s Choir

Check out the full gallery.