THE CRUCIBLE (1953 Broadway Production)

Well you know, Arthur Miller reportedly hated the original production (which opened to mostly negative reviews) - especially the direction by Jed Harris, and these scenic designs you posted pictures of, and a year into its run, he took over directing the play - threw out almost all the scenery and completely restaged it essentially on a bare stage. The production was re-reviewed and became a critical hit.



You can read about it here: https://books.google.com/books?id=TDpBNApwe50C&pg=PA87&lpg=PA87&dq=arthur+miller+directing+crucible+aronson&source=bl&ots=0PnOjwbI8n&sig=o9vNW-p1fX1JwCspm3PHfRovP3M&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjK8a3pzOrLAhXByIMKHcmtBs8Q6AEIOzAF#v=onepage&q=arthur%20miller%20directing%20crucible%20aronson&f=false

Updated On: 3/31/16 at 05:26 AM

Although Miller reworked the original production and added a scene between Abigail and John, to begin Act II, right before the trial scene, I don't think the play became a "hit" at that point. It closed shortly afterwards, and was not considered a success. In 1958, as the off Broadway movement was gaining steam, a production was presented at the Martinique theater, a theater space in a hotel on 32nd at sixth avenue; this production was as major critical success and ran for over a year. It was staged by Ward Baker (who a few years later would stage The Fantasticks), on a flat square space with the audience on all four sides. Very intimate. I remember seeing the production in August of 58 and being blown away by its power. Several people in it went on to major careers; one of the girls was played by Penny Fuller. That production gave the play some credibility and gradually, over the years it took its place as a classic.

Updated On: 3/31/16 at 11:56 AM

I've always been curious about the French language 1957 French-East German movie, co-scripted by Miller and Jean-Paul Sartre, which starred Simone Signoret as Elizabeth and Yves Montand as John, and was directed by Raymond Rouleau, who also played Danforth in it.

Has anyone seen it?