Student actors, from left, Nick Benninger, Sarah Tapparo and Adam Harry will be seen in "The Crucible" running today through Wednesday at Slippery Rock University.

SLIPPERY ROCK — Arthur Miller's classic "The Crucible" will be presented today through Wednesday in Miller Auditorium at Slippery Rock University.

More than 30 SRU students will open the fall theatre season with a student production of the dramatization of the Salem, Mass., witch trials.

"The Crucible" debuted in 1953 and is regarded by many critics as a metaphor for government blacklisting, especially McCarthyism.

SRU professor of theater David Skeele is directing.

SRU students will perform the work in period costumes (1692-93).

The cast includes: Nick Benninger and Alex Barnhart, both of Butler; Meg Rodgers of Bruin; Casey Reiland of Harrisville; J. Jon "Luther" David and Susan Lemon, both of Grove City.

Also in the cast are: Luke Chamberlain of Latrobe; Jessica Kowach of Hopewell; Dan Cummins of Pittsburgh; Sarah Tapparo of Beaver; Ayaka Hikosaka of Japan; Ethan Rochow of West Middlesex; and Adam Harry of Cleveland, Ohio.

The cast also includes: Kevin Moore of Aliquippa; Ashley Clement of Philadelphia; Matt Palla of Greenville; Emily Kantner of Bernville; Ciera Spencer of Harrisburg; Amanda Tarr of Lower Burrell; and Aniela Schaefer of Greensburg.

<B>WHAT:</B> "The Crucible"<B>WHEN: </B>8 p.m. today and Friday, at 2 and 8 p.m. Sunday and at 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. No show on Saturday.<B>WHERE: </B>Slippery Rock University's Miller Auditorium<B>TICKETS: </B>$10 for general admission and $5 for SRU students.<B>INFORMATION:</B> Call 724-738-2645. Tickets will also be available one hour before show time.