From the jovial, lighthearted Suessical in the fall to the dark drama of The Crucible, the HHS theater program successfully undertakes the 1953 Salem Witch Trials play for  its spring show.

The storyline of the Crucible captures a grittier, more sinister mood that is rarely seen in school plays. Focusing on the tragic hero John Proctor, Arthur Miller’s cult classic depicts him as a voice of reason as he defies the hysteria of the trials and values morality over his own interest.

Theater department directors Jason Kennah and Amy Marchino created an intimate experience in the Bailey Theater, featuring dramatic and intense relationships accompanied by an ever present eerie feeling.

Some of the notable students roles include: Senior Meade Paris, John Proctor; senior Norah Murphy, Elizabeth Proctor; junior Veda Ceravolo, Abigail Williams; and senior Stephen Sutton, Deputy Governor Danforth.

Accusation and suspicion drip from the dialogue delivery, aimed to make the audience’s skin crawl in an intense show. Minimal settings and props draw the focus to that dialogue, so the young actors had to be particularly sharp in this performance. From anger, hysteria, rage and sorrow, the cast wows with its impressive range of emotion.

Paris in particular boasts a formidable presence on stage, as his acting skills are highly advanced for someone performing in their first theater production.

With the numerous responsibilities that accompany the life of a highschooler, the dedication it took theater students to prepare for this play demonstrates great discipline.

Now if you haven’t had the opportunity to catch a production by the HHS theater department, this one is a must watch. If you are a fan of suspense, this play will have you on pins and needles.

Ceravolo, who plays Abigail Williams, leads in a famed move called the hive mind, a Midsommar classic. One body controls the group, creating a truly chilling experience beautifully portrayed by the young actress and several other girls.

While the students captured intense emotions and complex relationships, brief  moments of comic relief also played an important part, cutting the heavy intensity of the play.

Not only did the actors display an amazing act of professionalism, the behind the scenes technical people consistently held up with the lighting and music.

The Crucible plays in the Bailey Theater April 15-17. Tickets are on GoFan.