“The Crucible” was so popular, it sold out for all three shows – Feb. 11-13 – with waiting lists each night.

“I wish we could do two weekends of it,” said Robert Larsen, professor of music and director of the opera. “That’s always a problem; we just have so many things going on in this department. Often the theater [does two weekends of a production], but we just have so many things going on at the same time we can’t take the time to do that.”

The Barnum Studio Theatre, located in the Blank Performing Arts Center, seats about 125 people.

“We were selling out with less than 400 tickets sold,” Larsen said. “It’s fun to do a great big opera down in the studio theater and turn it into an intimate experience.”

Freshman Kathleen Schaben, a cast member in the opera, said she gave special instructions to her mother to ensure tickets for her and her family.

“My mom bought tickets the first day they went on sale,” Schaben said. “I warned her it was in the small theater and so there would be less space.

However, not all cast members were that lucky.

Junior Becca Jackson, stage manager for the opera, said her mom was going to come but couldn’t get on the waiting list.

“I wish they could come, but it’s not the end of the world,” Jackson said. “I know of some people in the cast – their parents couldn’t come because of tickets being sold out.”

Even though the shows were sold out, Larsen said that should not discourage people in the future.

“If somebody wants to see opera, I think they should try to go,” Larsen said. “I’ve often gone when no tickets were available and found myself with a seat.”