For its next production, Butler Little Theatre tackles the Tony Award-winning historical drama "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller.

In 1953, Miller's play opened on Broadway and was considered second-best to his previous "Death of a Salesman."

Although the events of the play are based on events that took place in Salem, Mass., in 1692, Miller did fictionalize many details of the play. It begins with nonconformity and a lie and spirals into chaos.

Emma Neely, a junior at Knoch High School, plays the role of Abigail, the girl at the heart of the conflict.

"She is a malicious, self-absorbed teenager whose only concern is herself," Neely said.

"She has, in a sense, two extremes: this passionate, loving side for Proctor (another character) along with this unbelievably cruel part that will stop at nothing so long as she is happy. Trying to embrace both aspects has been challenging," she said.

Veteran actor Ron Lockwood portrays Deputy Gov. Danforth. "He is the Chief Examining Official, who is totally committed to his cause," said Lockwood, who found the role an interesting challenge.

"Trying to get into the mind of an extremely intelligent man who, nevertheless, totally believes in the existence and power of witchcraft, and execution by hanging as just punishment for its practice, has been interesting," he said.

"Audience members may expect to experience a powerful play that should leave them thinking about some serious issues that are with us to this day," he said.

Taking the stage for the first time is Jim Pastorius of Penn Township. The retired 71-year-old tried out for the play because few shows have room for cast members of his age, he said.

"I play Giles Corey, an independent, strong-willed man of 81 years who is a farmer and land owner. He asserts his rights although some of his neighbors consider him argumentative and contentious," he said.

"Balancing his strong-willed nature with his despair over the accusations of witchcraft against his wife and himself has been challenging," said the first-time actor.

Playwright Miller tries to show the audience the good and evil within people and bring out the mad hysterical qualities in a mob. Through his characters, he reveals even deeply religious people make mistakes in their lives.

Also starring in the play are Marianne Zimmerly who plays Elizabeth, Aaron Willoughby who plays John Hale, Tim Perschke who plays John Proctor, and Pepe Abreu, an exchange student from Mexico who plays John Willard.

The show opens Jan. 27 under the direction of Barbara Shinn. The show is being produced by Sue Switzer.

WHAT: "The Crucible"WHERE: Butler Little Theatre, One Howard St.WHEN: Jan. 27 through Feb. 4, with showtimes at 8:15 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and SundayTICKETS: $10INFO: 724-287-6781 between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.