John Proctor Is the Villain

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John Proctor is the Villain
JohnProctorPlayPoster.jpg
Broadway Promotional Poster
Written byKimberly Belflower
Date premieredApril 27, 2022
Place premiered Studio Theatre, Washington D.C.
Original language English
GenreDramedy
SettingRural Georgia, 2018.

John Proctor is the Villain is a stage play written by American playwright Kimberly Belflower. The play is a revisionist take on the American classic play The Crucible by Arthur Miller, centering on a group of modern-day high school students and their interpretation of the historical events the play is based on. [1]

Contents

Summary

John Proctor is the Villain is set in a high-school classroom in a small, rural Georgia town in 2018. [2] Carter Smith is the English teacher for several 11th-graders—the straight-A student Beth, the new transfer student Nell, the wealthy girl Ivy, the pastor's daughter Raelynn, the slightly awkward Mason, and Raelynn's boyfriend Lee. [3] [4] [5] Mr. Smith assigns the students the play The Crucible , the protagonist of which is John Proctor, who was convicted of witchcraft during the Salem witch trials. [3] [5] Beth forms the school's feminist club, with Mr. Smith as its sponsor. [5] Tensions rise when Raelynn's estranged friend Shelby returns to school after a prolonged absence. [4] [2] During the semester, Ivy's father is accused of sexual harassment during the #MeToo movement, [5] a source of controversy in the small town [2] , causing her to withdraw from the club. Lee tries to repair his relationship with Raelynn (having cheated on her with Shelby). [3] Miss Gallagher, the school's guidance counselor, mediates various issues between Mr. Smith and the students. [5] Over the course of the year, the class discusses The Crucible's themes of power, gender inequality, and female sexuality. In a tense class period, Shelby loudly disagrees with Mr. Smith's insistence that John Proctor is a good man, and admits to everyone that she had been having sexual intercourse with Mr. Smith over the last year.

The accusation causes waves throughout the town. Despite her feminist ideals, Beth deeply admires Mr. Smith and is reluctant to believe Shelby, further straining relations among the girls. Nell and Mason grow closer, but Mason insults Shelby's perceived promiscuity, causing her to take off. Raelynn, her reluctant assigned partner for an interpretative project based on the play, follows her and the two reconcile. [5] Shelby admits that Mr. Smith's abuse of power had left her feeling vulnerable, which is why she slept with Lee. Mr. Smith is allowed to continue teaching and turns his attentions to Beth. On the day of the project presentation, Ms. Gallagher notes rumors of Mr. Smith's predatory behavior. Raelynn and Shelby, acting as Elizabeth Proctor and Abigail Williams from the play, imagine a world where their actions are not defined by the men in their lives. They begin dancing, echoing Abigail's dance in the woods. Mr. Smith angrily attempts to stop the performance, but the girls' cathartic dance is supported by Nell, Mason, and Ms. Gallagher.

John Proctor is the Villain includes several songs by pop artists such as Lorde and Taylor Swift. [5] In some productions, these songs are performed in between scenes, as well as before the first scene and during the last scene. [6] The Broadway production used ominous sounds and flickering lights to denote the transitions between each scene. [7] [8] Belflower received permission to use excerpts from The Crucible from Arthur Miller's estate. [4] [9]

Notable casts

CharacterWashington D.C.BostonBroadway
202220242025
Mr. Carter SmithDave RegisterJaphet Balaban Gabriel Ebert
Miss Bailey GallagherLida Maria BensonOlivia Hebert Molly Griggs
Beth PowellMiranda RizzoloJules Talbot Fina Strazza
Nell ShawDeidre StaplesVictoria OmoregieMorgan Scott
Ivy WatkinsResa MishinaBrianna MartinezMaggie Kuntz
Raelynn NixJordan SlatteryHaley WongAmalia Yoo
Mason AdamsIgnacio Diaz-SilverioMaanav Aryan GoyalNihar Duvvuri
Lee TurnerZachary KellerBenjamin IzaakHagan Oliveras
Shelby HolcombJuliana SassIsabel Van Natta Sadie Sink

Production history

John Proctor is the Villain signage at the Booth Theater on Broadway John Proctor is the Villain Booth Theatre exterior.jpg
John Proctor is the Villain signage at the Booth Theater on Broadway

Washington, D.C. (2022)

The play was originally commissioned by The Farm Theater for their College Collaboration Project and first workshopped in 2018 and 2019 at three colleges within their theatre departments: Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, [10] Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, [11] and Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.

The final version of the play was first produced by the Studio Theatre in Washington D.C in 2022, running from April 27 until June 5, directed by Marti Lyons. [12] Since then, it has been performed by various small theaters and colleges in the DMV area, including Georgetown University's Mask and Bauble Dramatic Society in 2023, until its Broadway premiere in 2025. [13]

Boston (2024)

In 2024, another production was staged at the Huntington Theatre Company in Boston, running from February 8 until March 10, directed by Margot Bordelon. [14] The Boston production was nominated for six Elliot Norton Awards, winning Outstanding Play, Large and Outstanding Ensemble.

Broadway (2025)

The play premiered on Broadway in 2025, directed by Danya Taymor and starring Sadie Sink. Previews began on March 20, 2025, with an opening date of April 14, 2025 at the Booth Theatre. [15] The show opened to positive reviews and received seven Tony Award nominations, including Best Play. [16] Before the play officially opened, its run was extended by two weeks to July 6, [17] then by another week to July 13. [17] [18] That June, the play's run was extended again to August 31, [19] with Chiara Aurelia replacing Sink in the role of Shelby Holcomb after July 13. [20] [21]

Reception

Of the Broadway production, New York Times theatre critic Jesse Green wrote that Belflower "smartly keeps the play from becoming a polemic by moving on several tracks at once" by combining such elements as "pure high school comedy", pop music, and feminist interpretations of classic works. [4] Reviewers for AmNewYork and Vulture wrote that John Proctor Is the Villain was particularly relevant during the second U.S. presidency of Donald Trump, during which references to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives were being discouraged by the U.S. government. [3] [22] A reviewer for Variety wrote that John Proctor Is the Villain interpreted The Crucible through a feminist lens, "demonstrating the power of feminine solidarity and rage", [5] a sentiment shared by an Entertainment Weekly critic. [7] Another reviewer for The Hollywood Reporter called the storyline "a poignant story of girlhood and empowering friendships". [2] Conversely, a writer for TheWrap described the short scenes as characteristic of novice playwrights, [8] and a New York Daily News writer said: "I wish "John Proctor" made its very fair point about girls forging their own narratives with more ambivalence and less certitude." [23]

Awards and nominations

2023 Original production

YearAwardCategoryNomineeResultRef.
2023 Helen Hayes Awards Outstanding Production in a PlayJohn Proctor is the VillainWon [24] [25]
Outstanding Ensemble in a PlayCast of John Proctor is the VillainWon
Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or MusicalKimberly BelflowerNominated
Outstanding Lead Performer in a PlayJuliana SassNominated
Jordan SlatteryNominated
Outstanding Supporting Performer in a PlayIgnacio Diaz-SilverioNominated
Deidre StaplesNominated
Outstanding Direction in a PlayMarti LyonsNominated
Outstanding Lighting DesignJesse BelskyNominated
Outstanding Set DesignLuciana StecconiNominated
Outstanding Sound DesignKathy RuvunaNominated

2024 Boston production

YearAwardCategoryNomineeResultRef.
2024 Elliot Norton Awards Outstanding PlayJohn Proctor is the VillainWon [26]
[27]
Outstanding EnsembleCast of John Proctor is the VillainWon
Outstanding Featured Performance in a PlayJules TalbotNominated
Isabel Van NattaNominated
Haley WongNominated
Outstanding DirectorMargot BordelonNominated

2025 Broadway production

YearAwardCategoryNomineeResultRef.
2025 Tony Awards Best Play Kimberly BelflowerNominated [16]
Best Actress in a Play Sadie Sink Nominated
Best Featured Actress in a Play Fina Strazza Nominated
Best Featured Actor in a Play Gabriel Ebert Nominated
Best Direction of a Play Danya Taymor Nominated
Best Lighting Design of a Play Natasha Katz and Hannah WasileskiNominated
Best Sound Design of a Play Palmer HefferanNominated
Drama Desk Awards Outstanding PlayKimberly BelflowerNominated [28]
Outstanding Featured Performance in a PlayAmalia YooWon
Outstanding Direction of a Play Danya Taymor Won
Outstanding Lighting Design of a PlayNatasha KatzNominated
Drama League Awards Outstanding Production of a PlayJohn Proctor is the VillainNominated [29]
Outstanding Direction of a Play Danya Taymor Nominated
Dorian Awards Outstanding Broadway PlayJohn Proctor is the VillainWon [30]
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway PlaySadie SinkNominated
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway PlayFina StrazzaWon
Amalia YooNominated
Outstanding Broadway EnsembleEnsembleWon
Broadway Showstopper Award"Green Light" dance sequenceNominated
Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding New Broadway PlayJohn Proctor is the VillainWon [31]
Outstanding Direction of a Play Danya Taymor Won

Film adaptation

On July 18, 2025, it was announced that after successfully outbidding other studios for the rights, Universal Pictures will turn the play into a feature film, with Belflower penning the screenplay and Sadie Sink returning as an executive producer. Producing the film are Tina Fey, Eric Gurian, Marc Platt, Adam Siegel and Jared LeBoff. [32]

References

  1. SpotCo. "Cast". JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN | Official Broadway Website. Retrieved March 16, 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Gyarkye, Lovia (April 15, 2025). "'John Proctor Is the Villain' Review: Sadie Sink Makes an Exciting Broadway Return in a Sharp and Funny Re-Interpretation of 'The Crucible'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Holdren, Sara (April 15, 2025). "A Crucible of Teen Drama: John Proctor Is the Villain". Vulture. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Green, Jesse (April 15, 2025). "Review: In 'John Proctor Is the Villain,' It's the Girls vs. the Men". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Lewis, Christian (April 15, 2025). "'John Proctor Is the Villain' Review: Broadway Play Is a Powerful, Pop-Inflected Retort to 'The Crucible'". Variety. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  6. Milzoff, Rebecca (June 5, 2025). "In Broadway's 'John Proctor Is the Villain,' Lorde, Taylor Swift & Pop Music Have Starring Roles". Billboard. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  7. 1 2 Travis, Emlyn (April 14, 2025). "Sadie Sink and 'John Proctor Is the Villain' cast shine in 'Crucible'-inspired play". EW.com. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  8. 1 2 Hofler, Robert (April 15, 2025). "'John Proctor Is the Villain' Broadway Review: Sadie Sink Deconstructs 'The Crucible'". TheWrap. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  9. Dramatists.com John Proctor is the Villain licensing accessed 10/20/2024
  10. Goff, Jennifer. "John Proctor is the Villain". Centre College. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  11. Underwood, Tina (October 18, 2024). "Furman Theatre collaboration with Belflower to hit Broadway". Furman News. Furman University . Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  12. "John Proctor is the Villain". Playbill . Retrieved October 10, 2022.
  13. Howes, Sophia (October 27, 2023). "A glorious 'John Proctor Is the Villain' from Mask and Bauble at GU". DC Theater Arts. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  14. Huntington Theatre Company John Proctor accessed 10/20/2024
  15. Evans, Greg (October 17, 2024). "'Stranger Things' Actor Sadie Sink To Star In Broadway Comedy 'John Proctor Is The Villain'". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  16. 1 2 "2025 Tony Awards: 'Buena Vista Social Club,' 'Death Becomes Her,' 'Maybe Happy Ending' Lead Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved May 1, 2025.
  17. 1 2 Hall, Margaret (May 27, 2025). "John Proctor is the Villain Extends Broadway Run". Playbill. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  18. Chachowski, Richard (May 27, 2025). "Popular Tony-Nominated Broadway Play Receives Summer Extension". Parade. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  19. Hall, Margaret (June 5, 2025). "John Proctor is the Villain Extends Broadway Run Through Summer". Playbill. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  20. Culwell-Block, Logan; Hall, Margaret (June 12, 2025). "Chiara Aurelia Will Join Broadway's John Proctor is the Villain". Playbill. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  21. Russo, Gillian (June 12, 2025). "Chiara Aurelia to join 'John Proctor Is the Villain' Broadway cast". New York Theatre Guide. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  22. Windman, Matt (April 14, 2025). "John Proctor is the Villain: Salem's hero gets #MeToo'd". amNewYork. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  23. Jones, Chris (April 15, 2025). "BROADWAY REVIEW: 'John Proctor is the Villain' with Sadie Sink is lively if predictable drama". New York Daily News. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  24. Marloff, Sarah (January 31, 2023). "And the Nominees for the 2023 Helen Hayes Awards Are..." Washington City Paper . Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  25. "Theatre Washington celebrates 2023 Helen Hayes Awards". DC Theater Arts. May 23, 2023. Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  26. Boston Theater Critics Association. "The 41st Annual Elliot Norton Awards" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on June 30, 2024. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
  27. Sinclair, Jacquinn (May 20, 2024). "The Huntington and Reagle Music Theatre win big at Elliot Norton Awards". WBUR . Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  28. "2024-2025 Drama Desk Awards nominations announce". NY1. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
  29. Culwell-Block, Logan (May 16, 2025). "Nicole Scherzinger Wins Distinguished Performance at 2025 Drama League Awards; Read the Full Winners List". Playbill . Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  30. "'Death Becomes Her' leads nominations for Dorian Theater Awards". Broadwaynews. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  31. Culwell-Block, Logan (May 12, 2025). "Maybe Happy Ending Leads 2025 Outer Critics Circle Awards; See the Full List of Winners". Playbill . Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  32. Galuppo, Mia (July 18, 2025). "Tina Fey, Marc Platt Team for 'John Proctor Is the Villain' Movie at Universal (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved July 18, 2025.