By Tom Ganser
Correspondent
The Whitewater High School Players will be taking the stage in a high energy and emotionally charged production of Arthur Miller’s powerful drama, “The Crucible” next weekend. Premiering in 1953, Miller’s dramatized and partially fictionalized story of the 1692-93 Salem witch trials is a mainstay of American theatre.
According to Jim McCulloch, who directs the play, the actors have been preparing for their roles by way of “in depth discussions about the characters, their physical and emotional states of mind, and their relationships with one another.”
The cast includes Sarah Beckum, Mia Bentel, Gianna Creanza, Mitch Dalzin, Hiqmet Dauti, Katrina Griffin, Michael Hilliger, Betsy Hixson, Sally Kate Hixson, Jeremy Hoesly, Jimmy King, Weston Lema, Andra Matthews, Marren McCulloch, Angie McKelvery, Leif Sahyun, Gabe Schemmel, Alli Sedmak, Nicole Sedmak, Kristof Staniszewski, Caty Strait, Emma Stutzman, Lydia Wiley-Deal and Travis Winger.
Michael Hilliger said that in “The Crucible” there is widespread paranoia throughout Jamestown that witches exist among the citizens and that the witches mean to destroy their religion and their lives.
Hilliger describes the character he plays, Giles Corey, as a bit of a “nutty character who doesn’t easily phase in and out of a serious drama,” adding, “He needs to be light-hearted, yet just as serious and paranoid as everyone else.”
Participating in the Whitewater Unified School District’s drama program was important for Diane Dalzin’s three children, Lauren, Connor and Mitch.
“The level of confidence they have in all facets of their lives has been directly impacted by their experiences. Although these skills cannot be tested, being able to positively represent yourself in front of others is important to success,” Dalzin said.
Mitch Dalzin plays John Procter, a down-to-earth, forthright farmer and the play’s protagonist.
“I am both excited and a little apprehensive about seeing him in such a dramatic and tragic role,” Diane Dalzin said. “I think it might be a little difficult to watch.”
Performances will be at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 25 through Feb. 27, and at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 28. Reserved seat tickets ($8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens and students) can be ordered in advance by calling (262) 472-8178.
“The Crucible” explores adult themes and therefore viewer discretion is advised.
