Keene High Students Bring Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible' to the Stage

KEENE — In a story filled with fear, accusation and moral reckoning, the students of Keene High School Drama Club are preparing to bring one of America's most enduring plays to the stage. The club's upcoming production of "The Crucible" will be performed Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 at the Keene High School Auditorium, with students taking on Arthur Miller's classic drama centered on the 1692 Salem witch trials. Written in 1953, Miller's play follows a Massachusetts community unraveling under suspicion and hysteria as accusations of witchcraft spread through Salem. Though rooted in colonial history, the work has long been viewed as a broader examination of fear, power, reputation and mass paranoia. For drama advisor Matthew Ohlson, the production represents both a return to a play from his own past and an opportunity to challenge students with material that remains deeply relevant. "I was in this play when I was in high school back in 2009, and of course we read it in English class as well," Ohlson said. "Over the years, I have forgotten about it and never really considered it as a piece I wanted to revisit. I knew we had to do something big, something with big themes, big questions and challenge the students in a way that will help them grow as performers. "In all the time that has passed since I did this show it has only become more relevant, it has withstood the test of time and I'm really excited for the kids to get to share their talents with the community." The production also marks the largest show the club has attempted to date. "It has been a different kind of process to rehearse, plan and execute," Ohlson said. "The past few spring shows we have done have provided different reasons to be excited. 'The Play That Goes Wrong' was all about the humor and giving the kids a chance to do something crazy. '12 Angry Men' was a dramatic challenge that was this really rewarding experience to see the kids rise to the moment. "For 'The Crucible,' my excitement is tied to our numbers. It's the biggest show we've ever done. It's the biggest cast we've had (25 roles) and it's the new kids who have joined the club to be a part of this show." Ohlson highlighted several student performers leading the production, including Grady Sampson and Jocelynn Pernici as John and Elizabeth Proctor, along with Olivia Mitchell as Abigail Williams. "Of course I am excited about the performances," he said. "Grady Sampson and Jocylynn Pernici have been incredible as the leads in the show as John and Elizabeth Proctor. Olivia Mitchell is doing some amazing work as Abigail Williams and the entire cast has been working so hard to make this the best show possible." The scale of the production has also brought logistical challenges. Between rehearsals, academics and students' outside commitments, Ohlson said the group had to maximize limited rehearsal time. "As always with us, (the biggest challenge) is time," he said. "I only get the kids for two hours a day for three days a week. It means the kids have to do a lot of work on their own and they all have other things going on in their lives. "Given all the obstacles that come with that, they've risen to the occasion. In a lot of ways, I don't know how they are able to do it." The production reflects the continued growth of the drama club, which Keene High School describes as one of the school's largest student organizations. The club produces both a fall musical and a spring play each year while remaining active throughout the school year. For Ohlson, the work extends far beyond putting on a performance. "For me, (what's most special) is the chance to give back to my school and the community, but most of all — it's the kids," he said. "We're one of the biggest clubs in the building with over 60 students that are active members. We try to include everyone, which is a huge challenge, but every show is different, each one provides an opportunity for someone new to step up and lead. It's all about them. I've been really lucky to get to work with these students." That sense of connection to Keene High School is something Ohlson said still feels surreal. "I get to direct. It's my dream job," he said. "But also, I get to direct shows at my high school, (which is still mind boggling to me)." Ohlson credited the support of students, parents and school leadership for helping the club continue to grow. "I've had some incredible support from the parents, the kids and our leadership at KHS especially from our staff, Principal Dr. Cindy Gallagher, members of the school board especially George Downing and Raleigh Ormerod, Superintendent Robert Malay and Mike Atkins (our AD who manages all of our extra-curriculars)," he said. "But the best thing about this job is that I get to collaborate with some incredible kids who are the future of the performing arts." As for how the play continues to be relevant in modern day, Ohlson said, "Its themes continue to be relevant in the modern world despite being in a show that was written in the 1950s about a time before the country was founded. Witch hunts still happen today, the only difference between now and then is that they happen on the internet." For those interested in attending, tickets and additional information are available at ticketsource.com/KHS-Drama-Club.