‘Crucible’ best show of 2003

Tom Titus

Arthur Miller’s 50-year-old drama of witch hunts in 17th century New England, “The Crucible,” shook the rafters of Golden West College and

topped the list of meritorious productions mounted by Golden West

College in 2003.

Directed by Tom Amen, who virtually is the Golden West theater

program, “The Crucible” erupted with explosive power and was the

clear choice for the college’s best show of the year.

Golden West College mounted a superb production of this

challenging work, assembling a large and unusually accomplished cast

under the methodical direction of Amen. It featured many familiar

faces along with some impressive newcomers

“Shadowlands,” also directed by Amen, was runner-up among the four

shows produced in Golden West College’s Mainstage Theater during the

year. This true-life drama of author C.S. Lewis’ ill-fated

relationship with an American poet was marked by thoughtful subtlety

and heart-rending emotions.

Presented with age-appropriate casting throughout, “Shadowlands”

was an intellectual exercise that gradually became emotionally

involving as well. Under Amen’s meticulous direction, the production

burrows its way into its audience’s hearts.

As for individual performances, Mark Bedard’s dynamic turn as the

rebellious farmer John Proctor in “The Crucible” certainly merits top

honors, along with Abbie de Vera’s portrayal of his rejected young

mistress in the same production.

Bedard rendered one of his strongest performances in a Golden West

College career and Abbie de Vera was a dynamic Abigail Williams, the

young harlot who ignites the conflagration.

Others Golden West actors and actresses who made strong showings

during the year were John Parker as the chief inquisitor in “The

Crucible,” Michael Bielitz and Brenda Kenworthy as the principal

characters in “Shadowlands” and Charity Royanne, who shone in two

productions, “The Boy Friend” and “The Crucible.”

Meanwhile, at Huntington Beach High School’s Academy for the

Performing Arts, director Tim Nelson trotted out a splendid revival

of Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man,” with some terrific

performances from “D” Pull in the title role, along with Amie Shapiro

and Jill Prout.

Pull and Shapiro also collected “highest achievement” awards for

their performances at the annual Music and Art Commendation for

Youth, or MACY awards in June.

Next week, the spotlight shifts to the Huntington Beach Playhouse

and its top productions and performances in 2003.

Note: This is the first of two columns reviewing local theater in

Huntington Beach during 2003.