By McKenna MIDDLETON, intern

The Crescenta Valley High School Falcon Players will put on its production of “The Crucible” this month after much preparation. Performances will be on Oct. 3 at 4 p.m., Oct. 4 at 7 p.m., Oct. 10 and Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. in the CVHS MacDonald Auditorium.

The performance is a manifestation of Arthur Miller’s 1953 play “The Crucible,” an allegory of the McCarthyism period that he was subjected to. The play follows a dramatization of the Salem witch trials.

The play is a part of the CVHS 11th grade curriculum, making it a perfect choice for CVHS English teacher and Falcon Players director Brent Beerman.

“I’m always trying to find a way to integrate curriculum. As well as a performance, it’s a teaching tool,” Beerman said.

Like most plays the Falcon Players perform, this show is not just for entertainment. It has value beneath the surface, with themes and historical context that encourage play-goers to think about what they have seen even after the curtain closes.

“It’s not about witchcraft. Forget even McCarthy; it’s about human nature. It teaches that power corrupts,” Beerman said.

The show is expected to attract many students who want to see what they have read in school embodied by the advanced theater group.

Abigail Williams, the play’s antagonist, will be played by junior Rosa Douglas. The show’s protagonist, John Proctor, will be played by junior Benjamin Mitchel. Senior Matthew Collins will portray the iconic Reverand Hale in the production. The actors are all extremely well versed in the historical context and significance of the piece.

“This show differs from others we have done because ‘The Crucible’ is all about the rapid devolution of the civilized minds,” Collins said. “Naturally, it has been difficult for us, as we are living in the 21st century, to reach the mindset of Puritans who lived in the late 1600s.”

English  and drama teacher Kathi Chaplar designed the elaborate stage set that will be used in the coming performances. Professional light designer Sammy Ross has created a unique design for the show as well.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for students.

The MacDonald Auditorium is in the 4400 block of Ramsdell Avenue in La Crescenta.