"The Crucible" opens tonight at Machetanz Theatre

A classic drama opens the year for Valley Performing Arts, as "The Crucible," by Arthur Miller, opens tonight for a three-weekend run.

The story details the Puritan witchcraft era in old Salem, but its message transcends time. The play was written by Miller in 1953 during the McCarthy period, when Americans were targeting each other as having pro-Communist beliefs. Many of Miller's friends were identified as Communists, and Miller himself was brought before the House of Un-American Activities Committee, where he was found guilty of beliefs in Communism.

Director KerryAnn Byrd is at the helm of the Valley Performing Arts production. She has assembled a cast that includes several VPA veterans, as well as some newcomers to the stage.

Dennis Boyer plays the righteous farmer "John Proctor," who gets caught up in the Salem hysteria. VPA newcomer Heather McGuffey plays Abigail Williams, a young woman who sparks the inquisition. Rachel Underwood, a veteran of the VPA stage, plays Elizabeth, Proctor's jealous wife.

The supporting roles are played by familiar faces, including Jeff Babcock, John Fairfield, Aurora Pease, Steve Byrd and Curtis Shirley.

"The Crucible" plays at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays, through Feb. 1. Tickets are available at the box office and at all CARRS TIX outlets.