Cloris Leachman was originally slated to play the role of Abigail Williams in this production. Prior to coming to Broadway, this production played four performances January 15 - 17, 1953 at the Playhouse Theatre in Wilmington, DE. Leachman left the production the day before opening in Wilmington, at which point Madeleine Sherwood, originally slated to play Mercy Lewis, assumed the role.
In June 1953, this production underwent several changes. The woods scene between John Proctor and Abigail Williams was added to Act II, and most of the set was eliminated with the action instead playing in front of black drapes. Playwright Arthur Miller re-directed some scenes.