By Stacie N. Galang
PEABODY — It's been a blue moon since Peabody High put on a production of "Dark of the Moon," but theatergoers will have their chance to share in the timeless love story this weekend.
Drama club Stage One is putting on the play today and tomorrow at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.
It's the second time in more than a decade that director and drama teacher Richard Carey has staged the play he described as "a simple love story about two star-crossed lovers."
The story is set in Appalachia and centers on witch boy John, played by Vernon West, and human Barbara Allen, played by Kiera Dancewicz. Carey said the play's theme is timeless, as characters reflect people's unwillingness to change and discomfort with outsiders.
In all, the production calls on a cast of 38 and a working crew of about a dozen.
"We have some new kids that haven't done much acting," Carey said. "It's great to see how they've taken to the stage and the community and embraced it. That's something that I'm really excited about and proud of."
He described the set as a "huge mountain with three levels to it."
"We have about 15 witches who live in the mountain, which is always interesting," Carey said.
The show also features music and dancing, choreographed by Nancy Stone, the director said.
Tickets are $8 at the door, and the play is recommended for an audience age 13 and older.
