John Proctor Is the Villain
by Kimberly Belflower
Directed by Lauren Shouse
Choreography by Melissa Steadman
Scenic Design by Gary C. Hoff
Costumes by Melissa K. Durmon
Lighting by Amber Whatley
Sound Design by Jacob Allen
Thu – Sun through October 18
Recommended for mature teens and older
TPAC’s Johnson Theater
What if the hero you’ve been taught to admire isn’t a hero at all? And what if a group of high school girls is finally brave enough to ask why?
That’s the provocative question at the heart of Nashville Repertory Theater’s terrific production of Kimberly Belflower’s John Proctor Is the Villain, now playing at TPAC’s Johnson Theater. Set in a small-town Georgia high school in 2018, amid the #MeToo movement, this coming-of-age drama is funny, furious, thoughtful and — most importantly — very real.
Teenage girls are trying to figure out what feminism means to them as they launch a newly formed club at school. Meanwhile, their trusted AP English teacher is introducing them to Arthur Miller’s classic The Crucible, enthusiastically declaring, “John Proctor is one of the great heroes of the American Theatre.”
Then the girls start asking questions.
Belflower’s smart, meticulous play premiered on Broadway just last year and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play. It’s clearly struck a nerve: American Theatre magazine reports that John Proctor Is the Villain will be the most-produced play by regional theaters during the 2026–27 season. Nashville Rep is among the first to bring it to local audiences — and kudos to the Rep for doing so!
Superb Casting
Director Lauren Shouse has assembled an appealing, dynamic ensemble, and the result is a dramatic comedy that lands beautifully. This is a cast full of fresh talent making their Rep debuts, and they are a joy to watch.
Aubrey Bagley leads the onstage energy as Beth Powell, a delightfully annoying teenager who isn’t afraid to say exactly what she thinks. Ella Saliba brings touching poignancy to the bright and affable Ivy Watkins whose father publicly shatters her world. Brityn Ramsey is worldly, hip and completely authentic as Nell Shaw, the 16-year-old transfer from Atlanta, and Advika Ravishankar gives betrayed Raelynn Nix a salty combination of nerve and wit.
The boys hold their own, too. Brent Bentley plays Lee Turner, the tough guy with plenty of attitude, while Lorenzo Rivera repeatedly steals moments as Mason Adams, an underachiever who has mastered the art of filling awkward gaps with antics.
And then there’s their teacher, Carter Smith, played by Lucas Calhoun with a rumpled, relatable charm. He seems like exactly the kind of teacher students — and parents — would trust.
Tainted Truths
And then Shelby Holcomb returns to school after an extended absence. Played with a fiery and fierce strength by Norah Younger, Shelby’s arrival changes everything. She has a checkered past, including a relationship with Raelynn’s boyfriend, Lee … and something else … but she also has something consequential to say about the play her classmates are studying.
Shelby challenges the very premise of The Crucible, arguing that John Proctor — the supposed “great hero” — was actually a powerful adult who abused his position over a teenage girl. Suddenly, the students are looking at their own school, their own teacher and their own assumptions about power through a very different lens.
And when Mr. Smith himself comes under scrutiny for troubling behavior, guidance counselor Bailey Gallagher (McKenna Steel) is forced to confront what she knows about his past, including their years together in college.
From there, the play gathers momentum toward a gripping confrontation about power, accountability and, perhaps most importantly, who gets to tell the story … and is it true? That’s what makes John Proctor Is the Villain so compelling. It doesn’t deliver easy answers. It gives them (and us) something much better: questions worth arguing about.
Nashville parents, put this on your calendar. The show is running Thursdays – Sundays through October 18 with Saturday matinees too, and free post-show discussions on Thursday, Oct. 8, and Sunday, Oct. 11. See young actors doing outstanding work, and get your older teen that drama credit they need. You’ll laugh, you’ll wince, you’ll probably have some very interesting conversations on the drive home — and you’ll see one of the hottest new plays in America performed by a committed, talented cast. Hurry over to TPAC’s Johnson Theater. This one is a rave!
More Production Photos:
Lucas Calhoun (Carter Smith), teaches on “The Crucible” in “John Proctor Is the Villain.” PHOTO COURTESY OF NASHVILLE REPERTORY THEATRE.
Ella Saliba (Ivy Watkins) and Aubrey Bagley (Beth) question “The Crucible” during “John Proctor Is the Villain.” PHOTO COURTESY OF NASHVILLE REPERTORY THEATRE.
Advika Ravishankar (Raelynn) and Norah Younger (Shelby) share a laugh. PHOTO COURTESY OF NASHVILLE REPERTORY THEATRE.
Lorenzo Rivera (Mason) and Brent Bentley try to figure things out during “John Proctor Is the Villain.” PHOTO COURTESY OF NASHVILLE REPERTORY THEATRE.
McKenna Steel (Bailey Gallagher) and Lucas Calhoun (Carter Smith) are educators in “John Proctor Is the Villain.” PHOTO COURTESY OF NASHVILLE REPERTORY THEATRE.
Norah Younger gives a fierce portrayal of Shelby Holcomb in “John Proctor Is the Villain.” PHOTO COURTESY OF NASHVILLE REPERTORY THEATRE.
