Witch

by Jen Silverman

Theatreworks Colorado Springs

September/October 2021

Elizabeth Sawyer: Birgitta DePree

Scratch: Sammie Joe Kinnett

Cuddy Banks: Hossein Forouzandeh

Frank Thorney: Christian O’Shaughnessy

Sir Arthur Banks: David Anthony Lewis

Winnifred: Samia Mounts

Scenic Design: Bri Pilon

Lighting Design: Jennifer Fok

Costume Design: Pheobe Boynton

Sound Design: Noel Armendariz

Props Design: Marie Verdu

Stage Management: Sarah Dale Lewis

Sammie Joe Kinnett: nominated for a Henry Award, Best Supporting Actor in a Play, Colorado Theatre Guild

Audience responses:

Loved the Witch/Devil philosophical/interpersonal exchanges, as well as the contrast provided by the titled family and their own concerns of heritage and property and wealth and happiness.

The actors were superb in a serious play dealing with the forces of evil personified by an actor (devil) who presented evil and evil- doing as attractive and unavoidable. Why then were those persons he attempted to engaged so duplicitous, so hateful in their relationships? So unhappy, even in their supposed conquests. The play is a masterpiece in dealing with these dilemmas throughout. It was a study of the struggles of every person, spiritual with no mention of religious beliefs, etcetera.

Absolutely outstanding! The actors and actresses truthfully embodied their characters.

Interesting twists kept our attention. Each actor performed superbly! The story itself reminded me of long past studies (Faust..) History made very relatable.

This performance was compelling and thought provoking.

It was beautifully cast and directed. All of the design elements were simple yet cohesive.

I very much enjoyed it. It really showed so many perspectives on hope & despair. How everyone can pause to consider what the outcome may be. I don't think certain people would appreciate the venue because of the deeper thought processes involved. Some folks just want entertainment. However, I enjoyed this being different from pure entertainment.

Powerful acting, smooth transitions, loved being so close to the stage action.

Acting was excellent with minimal set design. We were intrigued.

The intimate stage seating was great! Really got immersed in the play. The actors did a terrific job portraying their characters and their emotion.

I thought the performance was beautifully executed. I loved the balance of laughs and tearful moments. Outstanding job cast members!

Wonderful acting, loved the twist of a story. Thought a lot about it afterwards.

The play spoke to so many contemporary issues and just kept getting more intense despite the rather frothy initial veneer. Truly an excellent reminder of why live, in-person theater is so powerful.

The text is well written and did a great job of addressing current relevant issues set in a feudal time. The actors were exceptional and well cast. I thought the lighting was stunning. Excellent direction and smooth transitions. The whole production was wonderful!

Stellar cast, delightful costumes, loved the simplicity of the set. Great direction - love Theater-in-the-round - always challenging for a director. Best fight scene ever!

Very well done by all actors and actresses. The play itself was a breath of fresh air, very enjoyable, all in all.

The acting was outstanding - it gripped the heart - good story told very well.

It was amazing! We talked about it for hours after the show. I’m so grateful to have live shows again.💕

Engrossing, we’ll delivered, well staged.

I was a little bit leery about a dark comedy with the subject matter, but found it exceeding my wildest expectations– – it was excellent in content, casting, production/directing—So, thank you, thank you so much—totally thought-provoking and enjoyable!

Fascinating play well directed with a really good cast made for an excellent evening of theater

Where do I begin? The cast was outstanding; the direction was superb; the delivery by every member of the cast was so thoroughly entertaining; the screenplay was splendid. It seems as if almost every time we attend another performance we say that that particular play is one of the best that we've seen! I can't offer enough accolades about the performance.

Photo credit: Isaiah Downing