“Belflower is a master of teen-speak.”
PlayOriginal
PLAYORIGINALCLOSED
John Proctor is the Villain
Booth Theatre · Opened Apr 14, 2025 · Closed Sep 7, 2025 · Ran for 5 months
Critics' Take
Critics praise this smart, timely play that reexamines "The Crucible" through a #MeToo lens, lauding Belflower's sharp writing and the youthful energy. Some find it heavy-handed, but most celebrate its provocative feminist perspective and engaging performances.
Critic Scorecard
35 reviewsSort:
““John Proctor Is the Villain” is the best play of the season, but even more significantly, it is a feminist masterpiece sure to become one of the defining works of art from and about the #MeToo era.”
“Needless to say, I’ve never seen a play speak so directly to my own life as <em>.”
“John The Villain reclaims their souls, as the girls in Mr. Smith’s class speak the truth once and for all and at long last.”
“Consider this your green light and dance your way to the ASAP.”
Audience Scorecard
6.9K audience reviews
A+
Loving It
Awards Scorecard
2024-25 season63
Honored
Nominated for Best Play
Drama Desk:2 wins / 4 nomsOuter Critics:2 winsDrama League:2 noms
Box Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicAll Time
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about John Proctor is the Villain?
Critics praise this smart, timely play that reexamines "The Crucible" through a #MeToo lens, lauding Belflower's sharp writing and the youthful energy. Some find it heavy-handed, but most celebrate its provocative feminist perspective and engaging performances. (CriticScore 82/100 from 35 reviews.)
Is John Proctor is the Villain worth seeing?
Yes. John Proctor is the Villain earns strong reviews from critics (82/100 from 35 reviews). Most theatergoers will have a great time.
What is the CriticScore for John Proctor is the Villain?
John Proctor is the Villain has a CriticScore of 82/100 based on 35 professional reviews. This is a "Recommended" show.
Is John Proctor is the Villain still running on Broadway?
No, John Proctor is the Villain has closed. It played at Booth Theatre and closed on September 7, 2025.
Theater Scorecard
Typical VenueThe Booth Theatre offers good sightlines with a well-raked mezzanine and clear views from most seats, though legroom can be tight. The theater's elegant, European-inspired design adds to its charm, while sound quality is consistently praised. Facilities are average, with typical restroom and concession offerings.
Original Broadway Cast
- Sadie SinkShelby HolcombNom: Actress (Play)
- Nihar DuvvuriMason Adams
- Gabriel EbertCarter SmithNom: Featured Actor (Play)
- Molly GriggsBailey Gallagher
- Maggie KuntzIvy Watkins
- Hagan OliverasLee Turner
- Morgan ScottNell Shaw
- Fina StrazzaBeth PowellNom: Featured Actress (Play)
Notable Replacements
- Chiara AureliaShelby HolcombBroadway debut
Creative Team
- Danya TaymorDirector
- Kimberly BelflowerPlaywright
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 82/100 (35 reviews)
- Status
- Closed
- Opened
- Apr 14, 2025
- Closed
- Sep 7, 2025
- Run Length
- 5 months
- Runtime
- Synopsis
- John Proctor Is the Villain is a stage play written by American playwright Kimberly Belflower. It is a revisionist take on the classic American play The Crucible by Arthur Miller, centering on a group of modern-day high school students and their interpretation of the historical events the play is based on.
- Data Last Updated
- September 13, 2026
