EDWARDSBURG — Richard Hackel’s wife has always wanted to act as the Wicked Witch of the West.

As Hackel was tasked with directing the Barn Swallow Theatre’s fall production, we went on the search for a witch-themed play he could get his hands on. While he was not able to procure a role for her as the Wicked Witch of the West, he did secure not one, but two plays to be performed at the Barn Swallow this month.

The Barn Swallow Theatre, 22334 U.S. 12, Edwardsburg, will host a night of Halloween-themed plays as its next production. For one weekend, it will present Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher,” as adapted by Robert Lanier, and “To Burn a Witch,” written by James L. Bray. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19. A matinee show will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $6 for children 12 and under. To reserve a seat, call (269) 228-6672 or email tickets@barnswallowtheare.com.

“It will be a full evening of entertainment along a theme of things that are associated with fall and Halloween,” Hackel said. 

The production will begin with a 40-minute presentation of “The Fall of the House of Usher,” a classic Edgar Allan Poe short story. The story follows Roderick Usher, a man convinced his home is cursed, his friend and his sister.

“Edgar Allan Poe is a very famous poet, and there is a reason his works are classics and taught in schools,” Hackel said.

Intermission and a reading of “Salem Witchcraft,” a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, will follow “The Fall of the House of Usher.” Then, “To Burn a Witch” will take the stage. “To Burn a Witch” is a 20-minute-long play that follows two women who have been accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials.

“This will kind of be the climax of the evening,” Hackel said. “The two plays are very different, but both the plays in my mind talk about similar things and are very seasonal.”

Hackel said he would encourage anyone from Edwardsburg and surrounding areas to attend one of the showings, guaranteeing that anyone who does will be in for an evening of spooky enjoyment.

“This should be a very thought-provoking production,” he said. “Both plays are short but poignant.”