'Crucible' heats up the Grand Theatre stage

Few plays wrack us with the gale-force winds of human conviction quite like Arthur Miller's "The Crucible." None reach the fever pitch of opposing sides in a debate with so much tension, resolved in aching poignancy toward the end.

But Miller does all this, and more, in what's arguably a better play than his more famous "Death of a Salesman." Where that play insisted "Attention must be paid to such a person!" this one shows, even beyond Shakespeare, all that's contained in a name.

Grand Theatre's production, which opened March 7 with a presentation from Joseph McCarthy scholar David Oshinksy, promises to draw a straight line from the play's origins in Miller's own 1956 testimony before House of Representatives' Committee on Un-American Activities, right on up to the political divisions of our current time.

Of course, you can always enjoy "The Crucible" for the incredible high-stakes drama that saturates the stage at virtually every moment, from the incognito emotions between Abigail Williams and John Proctor right up to the cruelty of Judge John Hathorne. Every word and moment tells.

By the time Proctor roars forth with the immortal line "How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!" your love and understanding of life will be immeasurably greater.

bfulton@sltrib.com

Twitter:@Artsalt

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Arthur Miller's "The Crucible"

When • March 8-24, 7:30 p.m.

Where • The Grand Theatre, 1575 S. State St., Salt Lake City

Info • $10-$24. Call 801-957-3322 or visit www.the-grand.org for more information. —

Arthur Miller's "The Crucible"

When • March 8-24, 7:30 p.m.

Where • The Grand Theatre, 1575 S. State St., Salt Lake City

Info • $10-$24. Call 801-957-3322 or visit www.the-grand.org for more information.