There is a particular feeling that fills a theater the first night a new show opens. The house lights dim, the audience settles in, and you can feel the whole room leaning forward. This weekend, that feeling settled over The Spotlight Playhouse as The Bluegrass Players opened their production of Salem’s Daughter. We are proud of the hard work the actors have put into this production, and we are excited to kick off our spooky season.
The company has put in an enormous amount of work over the past several weeks, and it shows on stage. From the first rehearsal to opening night, these actors brought focus, commitment, and a real sense of ownership to the material. Their preparation is visible throughout the production.
A story that jumps across three centuries 🔭
Craig Sodaro’s play opens in 1691, where Sarah Brooks is tried and condemned as a witch and sentenced to hang, leaving behind a curse on anyone who would disturb her rest. Then the story leaps to the present day, where six high school seniors gather for a graduation party at Heather’s house, built on the same hill where the condemned witches were buried.
When a new girl named Sarah is invited to the party and pressured into drinking a glass of “Initiation Punch,” the night takes a deadly turn. To protect their futures, the group makes a chilling decision and a vow of silence. Eight years later, construction near the old well has revealed nothing, but a police detective reports that a woman in a long dress has been seen on the property. Is it Sarah?
It is a mystery and suspense story that keeps you guessing until the final scene, with strong roles for women and a climax I do not want to spoil. If you have been waiting for a reason to get into the Halloween spirit, this is it.
The season ahead 🎃
Halloween season in Berea has a way of building momentum, and a production like this one sets the tone. The Playhouse has a full fall ahead, and the community has responded to this company’s work year after year. What makes a night like opening weekend special is not just the show itself. It is the neighbors, friends, and families who fill the house and support local theater in a small town where that support matters.
If you have not been to The Spotlight Playhouse recently, this is a good night to start. The house is comfortable, the show is a strong one, and the company is clearly having a good time telling this story.
Good to know before you go 📌
Salem’s Daughter runs September 18 through 27 at The Spotlight Playhouse, 214 Richmond Road in Berea. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 4:00 p.m. The show runs about 90 minutes and is recommended for ages 13 and up.
Friday performances are Pay What You Can, so you can name your own price, and unsold tickets release two hours before showtime. The house has wheelchair-accessible seating with companion space in the front row, and if you have special needs, just let the crew know when you arrive.
The production is directed by Dana Hendren and presented by The Bluegrass Players, our adult community theater company. Tickets and more information are available at thespotlightplayhouse.com.
Disclosure: I serve as the Executive Director of The Spotlight Playhouse and Spotlight Acting School, and The Bluegrass Players is the adult community theater company at The Spotlight Playhouse.
About the Author ✍️
Chad Hembree serves as the Executive Director of Spotlight Acting School, The Spotlight Playhouse, and Spotlight Performing Arts. A resident of Berea, Kentucky, and a former member of the Berea Council, he has spent decades working in community theater, arts education, and local journalism. Since 1995, he has operated BereaOnline.com, focusing on local news, civic issues, and stories that highlight community collaboration and grassroots efforts across Madison County.
Upcoming Community and Theater Events
- September 18-20, 2026: Spoonbread Festival (30th annual) at Memorial Park and the Chestnut Street Pavilion, Berea. 🍄
- September 18-27, 2026: Honk! Jr. (Spotlight Acting School students ages 9 to 14) at The Spotlight Playhouse. 🦢
- September 18-27, 2026: Salem’s Daughter (The Bluegrass Players) at The Spotlight Playhouse. 🔭
- September 25-27, 2026: One Reunion at Berea College. 🎓
- October 2-11, 2026: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (The Bluegrass Players dinner show) at The Spotlight Playhouse. 🎃
Tickets and info for all shows: thespotlightplayhouse.com
Sources
This article originally appeared on BereaOnline.com.