THE CRUCIBLE: Anna D. Shapiro’s arresting, impassioned, full-throttle Steppenwolf revival of “The Crucible” is not so much a revisionist take on Arthur Miller’s familiar 1953 allegory as it is an expansion and intensification of an iconic drama dulled over time by its constant presence in school classrooms. But forget the stupor, you’ll be snapped immediately awake by these highly theatrical manifestations of hysteria. By apparent directorial intent, it’s a “Crucible” ramped up and underscored for the age of the “Jesus Camp,” the disturbing 2006 documentary about kids, teens and fundamentalist Christian religion. It’s a “Crucible” that shoots a warning shot at fear-mongering in the name of national security. This is not a show that’s fearful of taking a partisan stand that goes beyond Miller’s intent. But it features a raft of truthful acting from the likes of Francis Guinan, Sally Murphy and James Vincent Meredith. And it’s the work of a Chicago director on a roll.
Through Nov. 11 at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St.; $20-$68, 312-335-1650 and www.steppenwolf.org.
