“Witchcraze” 

by Janina Shoemaker, BFA, MA

Theatre Practitioner, and former Theatre Correspondent

for The Sun Herald

Being an audience member of a new production is always a thrill, so imagine the excitement surrounding the first reading/singing of a new musical. Last weekend a small group of theatre folk attended the initial ‘listening party’ of local playwright/singer/actor Patricia Causey’s ambitious musical, “Witchcraze.” Causey now has valuable feedback to her several-years-long effort and, more importantly, encouragement. She plans to hold more listening parties in the future to raise funds from ‘angels.’

Although the show is set in 17^th century Puritanical Salem, the main theme is not witchcraft, but women’s rights. “Witchcraze” is based on historical research into colonial political and religious culture, bringing the cause of civil rights into the limelight, especially First Amendment Rights for women. As Bridghid sings in her opening number, “Love Potion Stew,” ‘I have my own mind, my own will, my own choice.’ Causey has created a somber message for women of determination to survive the vicissitudes of rumor and innuendo, societal hardship, and governmental rudeness.

The music is wonderful, and the libretto is spectacular. Causey has balanced comic, solemn, and wrathful language with exuberant and sensual rhythms, and her choral numbers are raucous displays of discordant energy. The songs - “Behind Closed Doors,” “Blame Game,” “Liar, Blasphemer,” “Roasty Toasty,” “Spellbound,” “The Women in Salem,” and “The Men of This Town,” trace the plot development. The comic numbers – “Tithe to the Lord” and “Trial by Fire Rag,” are gleeful. Yet the anthem – “Prayer for a Deceased Woman,” based on a medieval vesper, is beautiful. The cast features a large female ensemble, with ethnic diversity; there are several male roles, but the women’s chorus is the major character.