WITCH HUNT, COLONIAL STYLE GOLDEN VALLEY STUDENTS TO STAGE `CRUCIBLE' AT PLAYHOUSE.Byline: Carol Rock Staff Writer NEWHALL - Beware the witches of Golden Valley - they gather tonight to cast a classic spell. ``The Crucible,'' Arthur Miller's play about the dramatic events surrounding the Salem witch trials Salem witch trials (May–October 1692) American colonial persecutions for witchcraft. In the town of Salem, Massachusetts Bay Colony, several young girls, stimulated by supernatural tales told by a West Indian slave, claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused of 1692 with parallels to 1950s McCarthyism, will open tonight at the Repertory East Playhouse on San Fernando Road San Fernando Road is a major street in the city and county of Los Angeles. It starts off in Castaic as The Old Road, passing through Santa Clarita and the Newhall Pass, where upon its intersection with Sierra Highway near the junction of the Golden State (I-5) and the in the Newhall arts district
The Arts District . Instead of the REP's actors, these performers are students in the drama department of Golden Valley High School. As the students await the completion of their own theater, instructor Janie Prucha has taught them to take their show on the road. ``These students are certainly getting a snapshot of what life in the theater is like; when you're on the road, you never know where you're going to perform and you have to be adaptable,'' Prucha said. ``I'm told we should be able to be in our theater on campus at the beginning of next year.'' Prucha added that the REP was supportive of the students and that she plans to present their spring production of ``Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella'' there. In the spring of 2005, the drama and music departments mounted a production of ``The Sound of Music'' at the Vital Express theater at College of the Canyons College of the Canyons is one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the state. According to the National Junior College Research Association, College of the Canyons consistently ranks in the top 50 community colleges in the nation. . Although the theme dabbles in the occult and persecution, which might be considered seasonal, Prucha said she selected the show in homage to the late playwright. ``I picked 'The Crucible' for several reasons,'' she said. ``First of all, it is part of the 11th-grade literature core and is a very meaningful show. Also, Arthur Miller Noun 1. Arthur Miller - United States playwright (1915-2005) Miller passed away this year and this is a great tribute to him. It also lends itself to an intimate space.'' The REP seats just over 80. With the limited seating, Prucha recommended that people purchase tickets early. Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Golden Valley student store and, if available, at the door. ``The Crucible'' has a cast of 22, featuring Matt McClenahan as John Proctor John Proctor (1632–1692) was a tavern-keeper in 17th century Massachusetts. During the Salem witch trials he was accused of witchcraft, convicted and hanged. Early life John Proctor was born in Assington, Suffolk, England. , Amanda Hubbell as Elizabeth Proctor Elizabeth Proctor was born in 1651 in Lynn, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of William Bassett and Mary Burt. Elizabeth was the third wife of widower John Proctor, who was executed as a witch in 1692 during the Salem Witch Trials. , Katrina Blanchard as Abigail Williams Abigail Williams was one of the original and foremost accusers in the Salem witch trials of 1692. Williams was eleven years old at the time and living with her uncle Samuel Parris in Salem Village (now Danvers). , Francesca Riso as Mary Warren, Wesley Schilling as the Rev. Hale and Bryan Kwon as the Rev. Parris. For information, call Prucha at (661) 298-8140, Ext. 1616. Carol Rock, (661) 257-5252 carol.rock(at)dailynews.com CAPTION(S): 2 photos Photo: (1 -- 2 -- color -- ran in SAC edition only) Above, Amanda Hubbell and Matt McClenahan act a scene from ``The Crucible,'' below, Katrina Blanchard and McClenahan perform in the production, which opens tonight at the Repertory East Playhouse in Newhall. David Kronke/Staff Photographer |
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