Central High School students bring history alive with production of "The Crucible"

Central High School theater students are learning some history while honing their acting skills as they prepare for their roles in "The Crucible," a 1953 play by Arthur Miller. It is a dramatization of the Salem witch trials that took place in the Massachusetts Bay Colony from 1692 to 1693. Miller wrote the play as a response to McCarthyism, when the U.S. government blacklisted accused communists.

Central drama teacher Cindy Bradshaw, who is directing the play, said it's one of the hardest plays she's ever helped students prepare for.

"We've been working on this for six weeks, and they are getting it together," she said.

Bradshaw said she thinks it's difficult because the language used in the play is from the 1690s and is difficult for the actors and actresses to understand, much less memorize and interpret on the stage. But, she said, because the play is based on real people from that time, it is making history come alive for the students performing it.

Ben Hendricks, in one of the lead roles as John Proctor, researched the story on the Internet to prepare for his role.

"I found out that this play is based on real people from the times of the Salem witchcraft trials," he said. "I did the research so I could get into my part for the play. It's really interesting to do this knowing these were real people."

Christen Limbaugh also did homework for her role as Abigail, who leads the group of girls making accusations of witchcraft.

"I read the book to help me understand the story, and it also helped me understand my character better," she said.

Limbaugh said the seriousness of the play is helping her grow as an actress. "It's really helping me come out of my personality."

Allie Wolz, who plays John Proctor's wife, Elizabeth, is the most experienced actress in the play.

"This is my eighth play and by far the hardest one," she said. "I don't know if it's because it's my first lead role or because the language is so hard to perform. I wanted a challenge, but it's making me lose a lot of sleep."

The play is read by Central High School juniors in a novels class, so many of the actors and actresses are familiar with the story. Bradshaw said several classes of juniors will be coming to see the play since they are reading it.

The play begins at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 with shows on Nov. 20 and 21 at Central Junior High. Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults.