Hopeful, yet Dark Comedy Ignites theREP’s Season with “Becky Nurse of Salem”

ALBANY (Sept. 10) – “Becky Nurse of Salem,” a whip-smart dark comedy by Sarah Ruhl, opens the 2025-26 season on the MainStage at Capital Repertory Theatre from Sept. 26 through Oct. 19, directed by Margaret E. Hall.

Set in present-day Salem, Becky Nurse is a descendant of the infamous Rebecca Nurse. Recently fired from her job at the Salem Witch Museum for thievery and sass, Becky spirals into a surreal and hilarious blend of sorcery, pills, family, and her granddaughter’s high school production of “The Crucible.” As Becky navigates her own trials, she finds uncanny strength in her lineage. This scathing comedy shreds myths of villainy and victimhood to celebrate the defiant survivor in us all.

This production kicks off theREP’s 2025-26 season under the new leadership of Producing Artistic Director Miriam Weisfeld. Weisfeld describes “Becky Nurse of Salem”as “a feminist play for everyone,” which confronts America’s problematic history of misogyny and extremism yet conjures liberation and inclusivity.

The cast of “Becky Nurse of Salem” brings together a powerhouse mix of returning favorites and exciting new talent. Shayne David Cameris takes on the dual roles of Judge and Jailor, embodying the forces of authority that loom over Becky’s journey after very recently appearing in “Once” on the MainStage. Another familiar face to theREP, as recent as “A Sherlock Carol,” Brenny Campbell stars as the sharp-tongued, big-hearted Becky, a stubborn, salt-of-the-earth descendant of Rebecca Nurse. Jose Gamo plays Stan, a young, goth boy who takes a job that Becky wanted at the museum in addition to dating Becky’s granddaughter.

Kathy McCafferty portrays a mischievous and enterprising Witch guiding Becky toward empowerment. James Joseph O’Neil plays Becky’s romantic interest, Bob, whose warmth and sincerity provide a much-needed counterbalance to Salem’s chaos. Briana Gibson Reeves plays Shelby, Becky’s much-younger, sometimes boss at the Salem Museum, a high-achieving academic who clashes with Becky’s blue-collar attitude. Also debuting at theREP is Alexandra Szeto-Joe as Gail, Becky’s troubled granddaughter, who still struggles with the loss of her mother to drug addiction years ago.

In addition to Hall’s direction, Daniel Conway is the scenic designer, Shelby Loera is the lighting designer, Elivia Bovenzi Blitz is the costume designer, Katherine Horowitz is the sound designer, Kylee Loera is the projection designer, Yvonne Perry is the intimacy coordinator, and Joe Isenberg is the fight director. Kate Kern is the stage manager, and Madison Rivera is the assistant stage manager.

Previews for “Becky Nurse of Salem” are Sept. 26-28, and opening night is Tuesday, Sept. 30. Performances are scheduled Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. There is also a 1:30 p.m. performance Wednesday, Oct. 8.

For tickets and information, call the Box Office at Proctors 12-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday at (518) 346-6204, or visit attherep.org. The 2025-26 season at theREP is sponsored by Overit. Groups of 10 or more can call (518) 382-3884 ext. 139.

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Special nights:

Opening Night – Tuesday, Sept. 30
Includes complimentary champagne toast and pastries from Bella Napoli.

Chef’s Table – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7
Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Wizard Burger.

ASL Performance – 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11
This performance features sign language interpreters. To request access to the designated seating section, please call the box office at (518) 346-6204.

Thirsty Thursday – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16
Enjoy tasting samples from local cideries, breweries, or wineries.

Behind the Scenes – 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19
Complimentary coffee and pastry from Cider Belly Donuts before the 1 p.m. pre-show presentation of the special effects behind “Becky Nurse of Salem” hosted by Producing Artistic Director Miriam Weisfeld. This special conversation is free and open to the public.