The Altoona Community Theatre (ACT) will perform the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller at the Mishler Theater in Altoona on February 13-15, 2014 at 7:30pm and February 16, 2014 at 2:00pm.

Current Tyrone High School senior Alyssa Benton is a member of the cast. Benton plays the role of Charity.

The Crucible is a dramatic re-enactment of the Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts in the late 1600’s. Although the play centers on real events, it is not meant to be historically accurate.  Miller changed the ages of characters and consolidated several historical figures so that there are fewer actors on stage.

Although Arthur Miller based his play on true historical incidents, Miller wrote “The Crucible” in 1953 as an allegory to McCarthyism, when the U.S. government blacklisted accused communists. It remains today a powerful sermon on the peril of public manipulation and mass hysteria.

ACT has been engaging audiences since the 1920’s. They have done numerous plays and musicals that continue to astonish viewers. The theme for this season is From Sweet to Sinister.

The season began with the romantic comedy Barefoot in the Park by Neil Simon, followed by the up-beat musical, Annie. Taking the lead of the sinister side is The Crucible. whcih will be followed by the musical Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in the spring.

Tickets for The Crucible are available online by at the Mishler Theatre website or in person at the box office from Tuesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tickets range from $12-$17.