Outbursts on Twitter from the current President, deep divides between two parties with no compromise in sight, and public outcry over foreign policy scandals sum up the current political climate found in America. With that in mind,  “The Crucible,” is the perfect play to start off fall, according to theater teacher and main director Jamaal Solomon.

“It is a very fall-centric type of play.  It is the best time, especially since it is taught at the beginning of the school year,” Solomon said. “Everything that happened [in the play] is relevant today and it allows to really bring our audience in and tell that story.”

The play will be held in the auditorium from Thursday, Nov. 7 through Saturday Nov. 9 at 7pm. Tickets will be $9 if bought in advance and $11 at the door. Originally by playwright Arthur Miller, “The Crucible” retells the Salem Witch Trials from Puritan Massachusetts around 1692. The play’s main themes revolve around hysteria and fear, and reputation. Assistant director, senior Jake Lippman is excited to be working with such topics as he can connect it with the real world.

“The Crucible” play by playwright Arthur Miller transports the audience back to Puritan Massachusetts and retells the Salem Witch Trials. The play focuses on themes of hysteria and reputation. The play’s first night is November 7th.

“The source material that we are working with is incredibly beautiful and it is really topical to what is going on right now. It is just very interesting how mass hysteria can spread so fast, especially with the world and political climate right now,” Lippman said.

Lippman,  utilizing a lot of wood and spike elements. While he anticipates some minor technical difficulties, he hopes to create lots of intensity with different lighting during the play, hopefully to complement the tone of the story.

Senior Madison Walker, who will play the role of Abigail Williams, was originally not going to audition; there was minor confusion with the topic and the overcast feelings of the play, however, with some research, Walker soon came to love it.

“I really fell in love with it and I thought it would be a great piece and it would be amazing to be part of a classical play and a classic piece of literature,” Walker said.

Walker specifically noted the aspect of reality that comes with “The Crucible.” Especially interested in why the play was created, she emphasizes the fact that the characters were real people and the stories are true events.

Senior Evan Bogert, playing the male lead of John Proctor, also looks forward to reviving the character on the stage. To prepare, Bogert has worked hard on learning his lines.

“A lot of memorization has been in place for me. It is something that I am not particularly good at, but sitting at home and just running lines as much as I could, has helped me a lot,” Bogert said. “I really want to bring this character to life, to help bring this story out in the best way I can.”

Solomon has complete confidence in this first show, despite setbacks with scheduling around extracurriculars, sports and testing.

“These actors and technicians and all the people working on The Crucible work so hard to tell this story and I can not wait for people to see it. I want the audience to come away with, is an understanding that this is still happening and hope that they can leave changed, and make the world better,” Solomon said.

Cast

Reverend Parris: Andy Ayup                                                   Rebecca Nurse: Lexi Youngblood

Betty Parris: Alexane Ayup                                                      Giles Corey: Jarett Warner

Tituba: Kayla Collins                                                                 Reverent John Hale: Marcelo Felix

Abigail Williams: Madison Walker                                       Elizabeth Proctor: Brenna McCafferty

Susanna Walcott: Elizabeth Hardwick                                Francis Nurse: Timothy English

Ann Putnam: Katie Vasquez                                                  Ezekiel Cheever: Jamason Belgrave

Thomas Putnam: Max Griffin                                              Marshal John Willard: Kam Macaw

Mercy Lewis: Briana Lopez                                                  Judge Hawthorne: Ariah Todriff

Mary Warren: Lily Joseph                                                  Deputy Governor Danforth: Jake Dauber

John Proctor: Evan Bogert                                                  Sarah Good: Elizabeth Haupt