Announcing SMC's Spring Theatre Production

"John Proctor is the Villain"

by Tara Sundy, Performing Arts Coordinator & Events Manager | March 19, 2025

The Saint Mary's College Theatre Program is proud to announce our upcoming production of John Proctor is the Villain, opening here at Saint Mary’s College just two weeks after its Broadway debut. “We are so proud to be part of this play's journey. Playwright Kimberly Belflower wrote the script during the first Trump administration, and it soon attracted momentum, being performed by numerous high schools and colleges across the country. We were lucky enough at SMC to secure the performance rights before the Broadway production was planned,” Theatre Program Director Deanna Zibello (she/her) said. Performances will be in LeFevre Theatre from Thursday, April 24 - Sunday, April 27.

Distinguished Bay Area performer, playwright and director Kimberly Ridgeway (she/her) helms the Saint Mary’s production. She praised Bellflower’s script: “Bellflower skillfully represents teenage vernacular, issues, angst and innocence, while also capturing the humanity in every single character. This play is extremely relevant in its raw, unapologetic, and sometimes uncomfortable way of highlighting the issues women and girls face, while exposing how they are not always supported…or believed.” The script follows a high school English class reading Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. As they delve into the American classic, the students begin to question the conventional wisdom that John Proctor is the play’s hero. At the same time, the #MeToo movement exposes a few school scandals, and ultimately the young women find solace and support in one another. Deeply passionate, touching and bitingly funny, this new comedy captures a generation in mid-transformation, running on pop music, optimism, and fury, amidst a coming-of-age story.

Director Ridgeway continued, “I fully expect, and encourage, that the conversations will continue long after experiencing Bellflower’s commentary on the classic, beloved play that is The Crucible, and its parallels and problematic plot points as seen through today’s lens.”

Watch for next week's news story which reveals the cast!

In-person performance dates:

Thursday, April 24, 8:00 pm
Friday, April 25, 4:00 pm
Saturday, April 26, 2:00 pm
Saturday, April 26, 8:00 pm
Sunday, April 27, 2:00 pm

Tickets limited – reserve early

E-tickets: $10 SMC students; $15 SMC faculty and staff, non-SMC students; $20 general.
Purchase tickets online at stmarys-ca.edu/jpv at least 24 hours prior to performance. A limited number of tickets are available at the Box Office 30 minutes before curtain via cash/check only.  Information: 925-631-4670 or tms8@stmarys-ca.edu