From “Witches!? In Salem!?” Photo courtesy of Spotlighters Theatre.
If you enjoy plays that are filled with comedic chaos like Michael Frayn’s “Noises Off” mixed with the sometimes somber tone and subject of “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller, “Witches!? In Salem!?” is sure to delight. It is written by Matt Cox (creator of “Puffs”) and is currently being presented at Spotlighters Theatre. The play itself tries to do a lot, from confronting some topics left unexplored in Miller’s exploration of the Salem Witch Trials to keeping the audience giggling with over-the-top physical comedy. While perhaps trying to do too much, the play certainly provides both an educational and comedic experience. It is no small task for a cast to play so many different characters in a play that lasts two hours and thirty minutes, but the cast of Witches notably maintained steam until the very end.
…is sure to delight…the cast…notably maintained steam until the very end.
The play begins with a brief disclaimer from Satan, played by Estie Baker, who appears in a stunning red dress, perfectly selected by costumer Gracie Scianella. Then we hear from an excited 8th grader who helps ferry the audience through the overall story of the Salem Witch Trials, providing occasional commentary throughout.
The narrator sets the stage for the preface to the witch trials, beginning with Anthony Case. He is over-the-top in his depiction of Thomas Putnam who helps hatch the initial ploy to acquire more land by accusing his enemies of witchcraft. Emma Shannon has a dark, comedic twist to the character of Putnam’s daughter, Anne, which, at one point, hilariously involves dead birds. In contrast to Anne Putnam’s fairly quick adoption of her role within the witch hunt, Emily Daniels brings a tangible discomfort and hesitance to her role as she breaks the fourth wall and describes how she got wrapped up in all of this in the first place. Rachel Demma adds a particularly brilliant touch in her spot-on portrayal of Bella ‘Loch, the only actual witch in Salem (complete with the perfect stereotypical cackle). Perhaps some of the best are the stuffed dog who meets a grim demise and a stuffed set of fake firewood clutched by the Andy Belt as Reverend Paris. The play is most assisted by the well-selected costumes and props that help transport the audience to Salem.
This show has surprises of all sorts, even to those familiar with Miller’s “The Crucible” and the general historical context surrounding the trials. It also brings together a strong cast of community theater actors into a play that is high-energy, though sometimes sporadic.
Running Time: Two hours and 30 minutes with one intermission.
Advisory: A decent amount of screaming, a bit of fake blood, a tad bit of stronger language, and lots of physical comedy.
“Witches!? In Salem!?” runs through October 18, 2026 at Spotlighters Theatre, 817 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore MD 21202. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go online.
