Director's Notes - Last Show

Last night, I had the bittersweet pleasure of watching my students perform their dress rehearsal for our spring play, Arthur Miller's The Crucible. I was blown away by the talent and heart that I saw poured out on the stage. For the last week and a half I have been nervous, in all honesty, whether or not they would be ready. But, when I saw their vulnerability and sensitivity up on that stage last night, I knew they could do it.

Now, I just hope the people come to the show. Holland Christian's spring plays are notorious for drawing only a small crowd. However, I feel like this show is too powerful to only a have a half-full auditorium. Here are my Director's Notes for the program:

As I write these director’s notes, it is storming outside; this seems very fitting for beginning my reflections on the dark story of The Crucible. We chose this show months ago, while we were in the midst of our fun and energetic musical. Then, it seemed like it would be hard to make the transition into such a different, deep, and sinister show. However, what we have found, is that the students were more than ready to take on this new challenge. 

This is not only a change of genre for our students following the two comedies we have performed so far this year, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is hard for any cast to perform. It’s a subtle, serious story with very real characters. The scenes are packed with dialogue and, at times, little action. Not only is it a challenging script for an actor, but the subject matter is so intense, that it’s hard and humbling to take on these complex characters. I did not know what to expect when we began this journey. But, from the moment I saw these students audition, I knew they could handle it. 

What we’re all realizing throughout the weeks of developing this story, though difficult to admit, is how much we can all relate to these characters. Despite the fact that this particular story took place hundreds of years ago, the characters’ nature is the same as ours. To see the sinful human nature unfold in these character’s lives on stage has been a sobering process. What it has done for us, however, is cause us to realize how deep and beautiful the grace and forgiveness of our Heavenly Father truly is. Our sins are serious and dark and happen on a daily basis, and yet we have a God who forgives us, infinitely. 

I hope you enjoy our interpretation of this story. I hope you enjoy the lights and set and the acting. But mostly, I hope, though difficult, you realize what these characters represent. I hope you recognize the humanity in these dramatic scenes. And through that, I hope you are reminded just how amazing God’s grace truly is.
-Kelly Elders, Director

If you want to be moved and challenged, come see HC Theatre's The Crucible this Friday and Saturday at our High School's auditorium.