The Crucible

All of Salem is whispering about what happened in the forest last night. There are rumors that Rev. Parris' daughter Betty was caught dancing naked in the woods with several other girls — which can only mean witchcraft. Now renowned witchcraft expert Rev. John Hale is on his way to town to get to the bottom of matters. It's a long way to the bottom, and before Hale and Parris can find it, dozens of villagers will be accused of witchcraft by the young women and hanged for their crimes. How can Salem, perched on the raw edge of the new world, survive the loss of so many people? Arthur Miller's searing drama The Crucible was inspired by the insanity and paranoia of McCarthy-era America and depicts a society devouring itself in pursuit of an invisible enemy. Stray Dog Theatre presents The Crucible at 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday (February 7 to 23) at the Tower Grove Abbey (2336 Tennessee Avenue; www.straydogtheatre.org). Tickets are $25 to $30.