The St. Pius X Theatre Department is gearing up to present their 2024 Fall production of The Crucible, Arthur Miller's classic drama that explores the Salem Witch Trials and the devastating effects of fear, suspicion, and mass hysteria. Directed by St. Pius X alum Stephen Armijo (Class of '07), this year's production promises to be a powerful and moving experience that showcases the depth of talent within the St. Pius X student body.
Performances will take place this weekend in the St. Pius X auditorium, with evening shows on Friday, October 18, and Saturday, October 19, at 7:00 p.m., and a matinee on Sunday, October 20, at 2:00 p.m. Admission is only $5.
About the Cast and Crew
Under the direction of Armijo, who has a personal history with The Crucible, the cast has spent months preparing to bring this intense and emotionally charged play to life. Armijo, who played the role of Giles Corey as a senior at St. Pius X in 2007, has a deep connection to the material. His experiences visiting Salem, Massachusetts, and researching the Salem Witch Trials bring an authentic touch to the production. "This play deals with fear and panic, and how those emotions can drive people to make devastating choices," Armijo explains in his director’s notes. "The real horror in The Crucible isn’t the witches, but how easily a town can destroy itself from within."
Leading the cast is Kameron Swanson as John Proctor, the troubled farmer who finds himself caught in the middle of the witch hunt, and Emily Stone as Elizabeth Proctor, his wife, whose strained relationship with John adds a layer of complexity to the story. Isabella Gauthier takes on the pivotal role of Abigail Williams, the young woman whose accusations spark the witch trials. The ensemble cast includes:
- Tituba: Miranda Barela
- Reverend Samuel Parris: Broderick Dexel
- Reverend John Hale: John Carney
- Giles Corey: Santiago Aragon Roybal
- Rebecca Nurse: Hayden Maestas
- Deputy Governor Danforth: Savannah Ball
- Sarah Good: Sophia Pacheco
The technical crew, under the guidance of assistant technical director Elias Braun, has worked tirelessly behind the scenes. The production is managed by co-stage managers Paisley Turcotte and Alexis Hanson, with contributions from a talented group of students in sound, costumes, and set design.
A Timely Story of Fear and Truth
The Crucible was written by Arthur Miller as an allegory for the McCarthy hearings of the 1950s, when fear of communism led to widespread accusations and ruined lives. Much like the historical witch trials in Salem, the play serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked fear and the consequences of rumor and suspicion.
Armijo reflects on the play's relevance today: "The Salem Witch Trials may seem like ancient history, but their lessons are just as important now. Whether it's rumors, gossip, or even the spread of misinformation, fear can tear apart a community. I hope this production makes people think about how easily that can happen."
The director’s connection to the story goes beyond his experience as a student. Armijo has visited Salem several times, including on his honeymoon, and has been fascinated by the town’s grim history. "There’s something incredibly haunting about standing where these events took place, and I hope to bring some of that atmosphere to this production," he said.
Don't Miss It!
This weekend’s performances of The Crucible are sure to be a captivating theatrical experience. With a talented cast, strong direction, and a timely message, this production is a highlight of the fall season at St. Pius X.
Be sure to catch the show on October 18 or 19 at 7:00 p.m., or on Sunday, October 20 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are only $5, offering an affordable night of engaging and thought-provoking theater.
2024 Cast List
- Tituba: Miranda Barela
- Betty Parris: Nashay Baca
- Reverend Samuel Parris: Broderick Dexel
- Abigail Williams: Isabella Gauthier
- Susanna Wallcott: Franca Abriola
- Ann Putnam: Serafina Apodaca
- Thomas Putnam: Nicolas Roth
- Mercy Lewis: Clare Deely
- Mary Warren: Alexandria Jeter
- John Proctor: Kameron Swanson
- Rebecca Nurse: Hayden Maestas
- Giles Corey: Santiago Aragon Roybal
- Reverend John Hale: John Carney
- Elizabeth Proctor: Emily Stone
- Francis Nurse: Jordyn Caintic
- Ezekiel Cheever: Emma Neuschwanger
- Marshall Herrick: Isabella Harris
- Judge Hathorne: Hailey Haste
- Deputy Governor Danforth: Savannah Ball
- Sarah Good: Sophia Pacheco
- Hopkins: Arielle Rodriguez
- John Willard: Evangelyn Cruz
- Ensemble: Leilah Munoz
- Co-Stage Managers: Paisley Turcotte & Alexis Hanson
- Assistant Tech Direction: Elias Braun
- Sound: Kateri Telles
- Costumes: Abby Rael
- Technical Crew (to fill in various technical duties): Scarlett Meades, Franchesca Nyberg, Joshua Caintic, Violet Boatman, Aster Webb, Julianna Matthews, Melissa Canavan, and Carlie Conway