THE CRUCIBLE

This excellent recording reissues the 1972 performance featuring Robert Foxworth as John Proctor and Pamela Payton-Wright as Abigail Williams. Miller’s play about witch hunts in Salem, Massachusetts, explores empty piety, the nature of guilt and mass hysteria. Every scene works well in this dramatic--even emotionally wrenching--recording. Foxworth’s voice conveys Proctor’s mixed shame and dignity well. As Abby, Payton-Wright feigns innocence, flaunts self-pride, threatens and cajoles. Opinions vary as to whether Miller’s play leans more closely to melodrama or to tragedy, but, in either case, it’s served well by this fine performance. Fans of drama on audio will eagerly await further titles from Caedmon’s archive. G.H. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 96]