‘The Crucible’ opens Friday at Playhouse Merced

Playhouse Merced’s production of “The Crucible,” a parable on hysteria and the destruction of innocent lives, premieres Friday.

Written by Arthur Miller, “The Crucible” examines the parallels between 1950s McCarthyism’s pursuit of American communists and the Salem witch trials of the late 17th century.

“The Crucible” begins a two-weekend run at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Playhouse Merced, 452 W. Main St. Other showings are at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. The same performance times repeat the following weekend.

Beginning with a seemingly innocent dance in the forest, two young Salem girls mysteriously fall ill, driving Salem residents into a fury of questions and accusations that their illness may be caused by the devil and witchcraft.

In the chaos is a man who struggles to regain his grace and faith in himself; a wife still scorned by his infidelity; a young woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants; a reverend who thirsts for power and notoriety; a man driven by greed; and a young preacher whose faith is his only hope.

The community is consumed with fear and suspicion that evil spirits have invaded their peaceful town, resulting in tensions, intolerance and hypocrisy that lead to jail – and ultimately, death.

“The Crucible” is directed by Playhouse Merced’s Rob Hypes. It stars Matt Capron, Rachel Rodrigues, Noelle Chandle, Jim Bennett, Greg Ruelas and others.

Tickets are $18 to $22 for general admission and $8 for students. For tickets, go to www.facebook.com/PlayhouseMerced, call (209) 725-8587 or visit the box office in downtown Merced.

The show is rated “T” for teenagers and older.

Playhouse Merced, which is a nonprofit, is celebrating its 21st season in the downtown theater location. For more information, go to www.playhousemerced.com.

This story was originally published April 9, 2015 at 10:31 AM with the headline "‘The Crucible’ opens Friday at Playhouse Merced."