This year’s fall play at the Williamsport Area High School is one all too familiar to those who are in or have passed through 11th grade English – Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. In case you aren’t familiar, without any spoilers, the play takes place during the occurrence of the Salem Witch Trials, and follows a story filled with mob hysterics, dynamic characters, and an emotional story throughout the production. 

However, this portrayal of the classic play doesn’t take place in the Puritan-centered time period, but rather features a ‘90s setting and costuming. Upon the opportunity to talk about the play with Mrs. Lauren Reeder, who is directing her first full production here at WAHS, she talked not only about that choice, but about why she decided to choose The Crucible for her Williamsport directing debut. “When I saw what students were able to produce through Hadestown, I knew that they could handle the gravity of serious subject matter, bringing authentic emotion and power that type of drama,” stated Reeder. 

She also noted how rewarding the experience has been to work with the cast and is confident in their portrayal of some the play’s crucial themes, which includes the dangers of mob mentality and how just one voice makes a difference on speaking against injustice. These themes simply transcend time, providing a great impact to any audience. Reeder said, “It’s a reminder to all that any person that any person can use their voice to speak out for change, and it only takes one voice to make a difference.” 

Mrs. Reeder and the cast of The Crucible urge you to come out for the upcoming performances, not only for its familiarity and timelessness, but also for this message it portrays. Tickets are $5 for students, $8 for adults, and $6 for senior citizens/veterans. 

If you see a member of the cast, be sure to tell them to “break a leg!” and come out and support them this weekend!