REVIEW: The Huntington’s intensely funny and revealing ‘John Proctor is the Villain’
In a small southern town, everyone seems to know everyone else’s business and in high school, rumors run amok. However, which ones are actually true and which ones are just talk?
With meticulous direction by Margot Bordelon, The Huntington presents Kimberly Belflower’s dark comedy John Proctor is the Villain live and in person at the Calderwood Theatre in Massachusetts through Sunday, March 10 as well as a virtual program option through Sunday, March 24. This show is not appropriate for children and is 100 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Set in a rural Georgia high school in 2019, girls are coming into their own and through The Crucible, are discovering their own power. When Jules Talbot as studious, serious, anxious and outspoken Beth Powell wishes to start a feminist club, the faculty is somewhat hesitant. With Brianna Martinez as Ivy, Victoria Omoregie as Nell, Haley Wong as Raelynn Nix, and Japhet Balaban as cool teacher Mr. Smith to back Beth and tie the club into the curriculum, the club is underway. Feminism fosters power and ignites change and this ambitious and likable group thinks that is just what this small town needs.
Kristen Robinson’s detailed and edgy scenic design unveils a colorful classroom complete with academic notes, green chalkboard, raised stadium-style classroom seating, and transfiguring walls enriched by Aja M. Jackson’s flashy, rhythmic and radiant lighting. Jackson’s lighting seamlessly aligns with Sinan Refik Zafar’s lively sound design that weaves in pop tunes from the darker sides of Pink, Lorde, Britney Spears and Taylor Swift.
John Proctor is the Villain presents a different and intriguing perspective to The Crucible that plays out in various ways within this Georgia High school. The stiff raised hands, the quick paced teen dialogue, frenetic excitement and nervous energy of this group of teens solidly depicts the atmosphere and nature of high school while Zoe Sundra’s distinct costume design enriches each character’s individuality. The production has plenty of giddy and playful moments that cement some close knit friendships and yet it never loses sight of tackling its serious topics.
Kimberly Belflower’s juicy script holds many stunning revelations and the tables turn many times over as the tale intensifies, but John Proctor is the Villain also notably dives into broken relationships, reputation, and discovering one’s authentic self. Some of the characters have an air of superficiality and mystery perhaps because they are gradually learning who they truly are. Benjamin Izaak as cocky Lee Turner and Maanav Aryan Goyal as earnest Mason Adams seem more emotional than these focused teen girls.
Isabel Van Natta is memorable as complicated and unpredictable Shelby who has returned to school under mysterious circumstances. Van Natta and Haley Wong as unconventional and courageous Raelynn share some dynamic and fascinating scenes together. In black star stockings with a matching purple and black dress, Victoria Omeregie charismatically portrays frank, stylish, and sometimes tough Nell Shaw. Japhet Balaban cleverly portrays engaging, charismatic, and popular teacher Carter Smith who seems the most transparent and shares a charming camaraderie with his students.
With meticulous direction by Margot Bordelon, The Huntington presents Kimberly Belflower’s dark comedy John Proctor is the Villain live and in person at the Calderwood Theatre in Massachusetts as well as a virtual program option through Sunday, March 10. This show is not appropriate for children and is 100 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
