‘The Crucible’ begins tonight at Jeffersonville High School

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February 5, 2009

Production of Authur Miller’s play concludes Sunday

Anonymous The News and Tribune Thu Feb 05, 2009, 01:59 PM EST

Jeffersonville High School’s presentation of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” begins at 7:30 tonight and continues through Sunday in the auditorium at JHS, 2315 Allison Lane, Jeffersonville.

“The Crucible,” the Tony Award-winning masterpiece of American theatre, depicts actual events in our country’s heritage, while giving us a timely picture and things to ponder about our society today, a press release from JHS says.

Set in strict and solemn Puritan New England in the 17th century, a group of teenage girls meet in the woods at midnight to cast love charms. Discovered by the local minister, they are accused of witchcraft, but manage to outwit their accusers through deceit.

Soon, the entire village is consumed by hysteria as Abigail Williams, the girls’ ringleader, sets her sights on her former lover, John Proctor, and plans the demise of his wife, Elizabeth.

Proctor’s only hope for exposing the truth hinges on his servant girl, Mary Warren. Innocent victims are put on trial, leading to a devastating climax, as terrifying events that left their mark on U.S. history are presented.

Attention to detail

As the cast connected itself to the very real events in “The Crucible,” real and relevant characters emerged. Authentic period costumes and props add to the realistic tone of this play.

The use of aesthetically detailed lighting projections allow the simplistic set to glide swiftly from one scene to another as the mood of each is reflected and enhanced by color.

Creating this abstract set primarily through lighting adds a new dimension for JHS student technicians involved in the production.

In addition, two cast members — Alexis Zuberer, who plays Abigail Williams, and her sister, Leslie Zuberer, who portrays a resident of Salem — visited Salem, Mass., and surrounding areas during winter break.

They were able to visit the Witchcraft Museum, John Hale’s farm and home, the Proctor home and numerous historical sights, including monuments, gravesites, and protected documents.

The research they did and the photographs and memorabilia they brought back to the cast and crew left a deep impression. Many students were able to see photographs of the homes and graves of characters they portray.

Leading the way

JHS students playing leading roles are: Evan Nunn as John Proctor; Ashleigh Skaggs as Elizabeth Proctor; Alexis Zuberer as Abigail Williams; Chloe Richardson as Mary Warren; Alex Jacobs as the Rev. Parris; Joe Bruner as the Rev. John Hale; and Adam Aldridge as deputy governor Danforth.

Supporting roles are played by: Shelby York, Cari Robinson, Elizabeth Pace, Sydney McClure, Erica Burkhead, Mallory Meador, Hannah Cummings, Cody Fraley, Shaterrah Deshazier, Jessica Snow, Riker Hill, Paige Sullivan, Kevin Hawkins, Evan Carroll, Levi Mills, Andrew Garrett, Caitlyn Wyatt, Ellie Delap, Katie Gibson, Chealsie Hampton, Katie Lyon, Elizabeth Miller, Darreka Jones, Sarah Stubblefield, Ashley Heil, Emily Couch, Coulton Dixon, Drew Moore, Courntey Wilder, Ashley Cantrell, Stephanie Allen, Payton Hickerson.

Student technicians are: Brandon Carter, Autumn Croft, Phebe Daniel, Wynona Darnell, John Deplata, Michael Dubberly, Andrew Garrett, LB Geary, Alex Graham, Kaitlyn Johnson, Alex Klingsmith, Ryan Lewis, Sydney McClure, Nikki Osborne, John Quinn, Carisa Ralston, Deanna Roehm, Nicole Ruoff, Zach Ruoff, Ann Semones, James Smith, Amanda Stensrud, Rachel West, Keith Wheatley, and Caitlyn Wyatt.

Supporting producing director Patti Miller is Donna VanHook, technical director and Bob Meyer, wardrobe and set design. Matt Owen is assistant director and Mage Harding is stage manager.

— Contributed

SO YOU KNOW

• WHAT: “The Crucible”

• WHO: Jeffersonville High School theatre department

• WHEN: 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

• WHERE: JHS auditorium, 2315 Allison Lane, Jeffersonville

• TICKETS: $10 for adults and $7 for students and senior citizens. Group rates available for schools, churches and other organizations purchasing 10 or more tickets together in advance. Group rate ticket prices are $5 each. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. For more information, call 812-282-6601, extensions 15260 or 15262.