Chicago Reader
- Recommended
"...Today, the play resonates as a portrait of a community manipulated by fearmongers and riven by paranoia. It's also cracking good drama--the compelling story of a man whose fling with an unstable teenage girl sets in motion a string of events that force him to make life-and-death choices. Chris Maher's Infamous Commonwealth Theatre staging doesn't tap the play's full power, but it's clear and solid."
Centerstage
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Because "The Crucible" resonates so strongly with contemporary audiences, it's especially important that it be played with truth. Unfortunately Infamous Commonwealth's new production often fluctuates between realism and melodrama as if two completely different plays were coexisting upon the Raven Theatre's west stage."
Chicago Stage Review
- Recommended
"...This impressive interpretation of The Crucible underlines the complex difficulty of holding fast to your convictions, personal truth and honor in a reality governed by illogical insanity; something that sadly still too often holds true. Although at times a bit uneven, the intelligence of Infamous Commonwealth shines through in this powerful production that makes a contemporary cautionary tale of historical madness and delivers exceptional theater in the process."
Time Out Chicago
- Recommended
"...
Wandering minds are drawn back to a fairly stunning conclusion, especially when Edward Kuffert’s Deputy Governor takes the reins of the Salem proceedings and the principal actors get to the meat of the play—John Proctor’s (a tenacious Craig C. Thompson) admission of guilt and self-redemption, his wife Elizabeth’s sacrifice, the stunned outrage of the townspeople in the face of brutal probity. In an unadorned performance as Elizabeth, Jennifer Mathews glows with real righteousness, an unforgettable moment of human strength that needs no allusion."
ChicagoCritic
- Recommended
"...Miller’s writing in good hands with this cast. My only problem is with some of the young women who speak too fast and run their words together making them hard to understand. Craig C. Thompson, Jennifer Mathews, Nancy Friedrich and Edward Kuffert were particularly effective. Rachel M. Sypniewski’s period-accurate costumes were a delight. This ensemble reached the proper level of truth to make the show worthy."
Chicago Stage and Screen
- Recommended
"...Director Chris Maher made an interesting choice with the transitions, but had a hard time moving the play along. "The Crucible" is a handsome production thanks to Scenic Designer Nick Rastenis and Costume Designer Rachel M. Sypniewski. Infamous Commonwealth Theatre has had my respect for a number of years, and "The Crucible" maintains it. While this production has its setbacks it is worth a look, especially for those who have never seen a professional production of "The Crucible"."
Chicago Theater Beat
- Recommended
"...The intriguing thing about a good production of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible – and Infamous Commonwealth’s definitely falls in this category – is how distant it feels from the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) that was so infamously intertwined on Miller’s mind as impetus for this composition."
