“In society nowadays, when are hysteria, reputation, race, empowerment, adultery and religion not relevant?” said The Crucible Director Kelley Mountzoures. “The answer is never!”
Kelley mounted Arthur Miller’s mammoth masterpiece because of the universal themes, strong characters and complex story. “Although the story takes place hundreds of years ago, sadly, the themes are still prevalent in today’s society. Everyone is always looking for someone to blame, to accuse, and to hunt, instead of looking within themselves.”
Directing this show is a labor of love for the Plainville resident. Since she was a child, she had a love for theater arts. “I went to see one of my friends perform in Gypsy. She was Baby June. I loved theater and knew I always wanted to do this. During intermission, my stepmother handed me a card. They signed me up to attend performance art camp at Hartford Children’s Theater. I will never forget that moment.”
That was the beginning, and the rest (as they say) is history. Kelley spent most of her adolescence performing in youth and Community Theater. She studied Theater Arts at Wheelock College in Boston. She describes the feeling of being on stage as “pure happiness and euphoria. It’s like a drug….It helped me a lot as a kid with self-confidence, reading skills and public speaking.” It also satisfied Kelley’s wild and active imagination.
Kelley was introduced to The Crucible as a very young girl. When she was younger, she portrayed the role of “Abigail Williams,” the play’s antagonist. It was her first dramatic role that allowed her to do scene study and character development. She went on to study the Salem Witch Trials and the Witch in History in college.
She is now coming full circle serving as the director for Hole in the Wall’s recent production. “The rehearsal process has been a roller coaster of emotions, mostly because this cast is so full of talent. Each cast member has a true love for the show, Arthur Miller, or the period of time. My creative team is a strong group of artists who truly know the meaning of being a team.”
Come see Kelley’s vision brought to life in Hole in the Wall’s The Crucible. Performances run Fridays and Saturdays from May 15- June 6, 2015 with one Sunday matinee on May 24th at HITW on 116 Main Street in New Britain, CT. Tickets are $20.00 (general admission) and $15.00 (students and seniors). They can be purchased at the door and online at www.hitw.org. The May 22nd show will be our Pay-What-You-Can performance. The Crucible is being presented in honor of Arthur Miller’s 100th Birthday.