Class is in session as Wilkes University Theatre presents Kimberly Belflower’s riveting comedy/drama John Proctor Is the Villain, running Oct. 3-6, at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, 239 South River Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Under the direction of Alison Morooney, assistant professor of theatre, John Proctor Is the Villain tells the story of a group of high school students in a one-stoplight town in Georgia. As the teens study the Arthur Miller classic The Crucible, set during the Salem witch trials, they examine issues of power, truth and accountability. Short of a brief description, Morooney chooses to keep details under wraps. “I don’t want to give any spoilers,” she says. “This is definitely one you could spoil.”

Morooney does reveal that the play, written in the wake of the #MeToo movement, deals with some difficult matters including abusive relationship dynamics, grooming and sexual assault. She and the cast have spent time talking about these issues during the rehearsal process. “Our actors are curious and digging in with a lot of care,” says Morooney. “It affects their lives as young people. They’re very passionate about the story.”

Three female high school students dancing in a classroom

The cast’s passion shines through, even though 15 out of 16 scenes take place in what could be a relatively static space. “The classroom is a very familiar setting, but when you put a classroom on the stage, it changes the way it feels,” says Morooney. Throughout rehearsals, she’s encouraged the actors to tap into their playfulness and silliness on the formal set.

The cast rises to the challenge and brings the energy, helped along by the occasional dance break and Belflower’s super-contemporary script. “The playwright has done a really good job writing the way young people speak,” says Morooney. While the words on the page look more like poetry or Shakespeare, they sound like a conversation in any high school.

As the director, Morooney enjoys the opportunity to add some newer names to the roster of more experienced students. After graduating a big group of seniors from the department, the show has some younger actors joining familiar faces on the stage. “I’m really excited for the talent and where the program is headed,” says Morooney.

The cast features Maddie Meier (Shelby Holcomb), Bella Ruiz (Raelynn Nix), Rocco Pugliese (Carter Smith), Elena DiSciullo (Beth Powell), Mya Banegas (Nell Shaw), Gabby Greffen (Ivy

Watkins), John Quick (Mason Adams), Elias Brix (Lee Turner) and Geanna Kirchner (Bailey Gallagher).

The backs of three female high school students sitting at their desks and raising their hands

Morooney is equally excited for the behind-the-scenes talent. The production features the work of Evan Cole, the first student sound designer since the Division of Performing Arts launched the bachelor of fine arts degree in theatre design and technology. The production team also includes Caleb Flannery (stage manager), Sarah Pugliese (assistant stage manager), Lavender Ibrahim (assistant stage manager), Vandy Scoates (scenic and lighting design), Lisa Liebetrau (costume design), Lee Corcoran-Michaels (technical director) and Spencer Shotto (assistant technical director).

With all of the pieces falling into place, Morooney is excited to welcome audience members to John Proctor Is the Villain to experience the emotional impact of some tough but timely conversations that lead young people to pave the way for the future. “It says here’s what’s going on and it’s wrong, but offers an optimistic, hopeful solution,” says Morooney.

John Proctor Is the Villain

8 p.m. on Oct. 3, 4 & 5
2 p.m. on Oct. 5 & 6

Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, 239 South River Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Tickets are available online at wilkes.edu/theatre. Cost is $15 general admission, $10 for students/senior citizens and free for Wilkes students, faculty and staff. The box office will open one hour before curtain for purchases in person.

John Proctor Is the Villain contains adult language, sexually explicit discussions depictions of abusive relationships and grooming and is not recommended for children.