An Inspector Calls opens Friday

Dear Lisa,

A celebratory meal takes a strange and sinister turn in An Inspector Calls, the acclaimed British class-conflict thriller framed as an Edwardian ghost story, which opens our 2023 season on Jan. 13.



Written by J.B. Priestly and directed by Isaac Joyce-Shaw, An Inspector Calls centers on a mysterious inspector who unexpectedly calls on a wealthy middle-aged English Midlands couple, their two young-adult children, their daughter’s fiancée and their maid, to question each person’s connection to a young girl’s suicide.

“An Inspector Calls takes the formula of the murder mystery and the drawing room drama and turns them on their heads. It is a reminder that there is a world outside our own interests and wants,” said Isaac Joyce-Shaw.

Priestly wrote the show in the fall of 1944 as WWII was ending out of his belief that the circumstances that led to the war needed to change to prevent future conflicts.

The players

Gregory Jolivette as Inspector Goole, a mysterious police officer investigating the suicide of a young woman.

Robert Barnett as Arthur Birling, a wealthy factory owner and politician.

V. Simone Stewart as Syble Birling, the family matriarch with a superior attitude.

Lisa Gryshchenko as Sheila Birling, a self-centered young woman who gains a new awareness of her responsibilities to others.

Jason (Kelly) Rock as Eric Birling, a young man with a drinking habit and questionable judgement.

Ty Hendrix as Gerald Croft, the son of Arthur’s business rival and engaged to Sheila.

Allison Reid as Edna, the Birling family maid.

An Inspector Calls is generously sponsored by the Family of Alice Mary Norton.

Read more.

Want to take a deeper dive? Listen to KMUZ's Theatre Talk. Their interview starts at the 25 minute mark in this on-demand podcast.



Top: Simone Stewart, Jason Rock, Ty Hendrix, Lisa Gryshchenko and Bob Barnett in rehearsal.

Pictured separately, Allison Reid and Ty Hendrix.

Photo credit: Vicki Woods.

It's not too late secure your seats for our season

You'll enjoy the variety of productions we have in store for you, ranging from classics like An Inspector Calls and The Crucible to newer works like The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder. Whether it's a familiar title or a fresh take, you can count on creative, quality productions all year long.

Call (503) 485-4300 or email us to get your renewal or new subscription started.

Build your skills with our script reading workshop

When: Jan. 22, 2023, 2 p.m.

Where: Pentacle Theatre rehearsal space, 197 Liberty St. SE, Salem OR 97301

Who: Open to the public

What: a workshop presented by Scott Ramp

Cost: Free

Scott Ramp has 40 years of experience teaching actors on the professional level. His script reading workshop will cover topics such as understanding an author's intent, how to read and interpret stage directions and imagining the transition from page to the stage.

Whether you’re a theatre novice or a lifelong theater pro, join us for a couple hours on Jan. 22. Scott promises you’ll come away with new ideas and fun ways to look at a script that will have you excited to dive into something new.

This session will be recorded for people unable to attend in person.

Thank you donors for a strong end to 2022

Thank you for your year-end gifts. Your support makes great theater possible.

P.S. Pentacle loves our Sustaining Circle members. You can sign up to make a monthly donation here.