Though it's set in 1950s Brooklyn and not ancient Greece, "A View from the Bridge" still has all the classic makings of a Greek tragedy.

Director Branden Maxham, who is in charge of adult theatre at Buzzards Play Productions, said he knew he wanted to direct "A View from the Bridge" since he saw it Off-Broadway in 1997 starring Anthony LaPaglia, who later went on to win a Tony for the role.

"It's a working man's play," Maxham said. "It digs at the heart of the American dream in 1950s Brooklyn."

He added that he feels Wareham residents will relate to the play because of the local fishing communities and the nearby Bourne Bridge. The play also tackles issues that are still going on today, such as homophobia and illegal immigration.

"A View from the Bridge" tells the story of Eddy Carbone, a tragic hero who works at the docks in Brooklyn, who deals with his improper love of his niece and housing his wife's two cousins, who have entered the country illegally. The play will be the first entirely adult play put on by Buzzards Play Productions, which opened seven months ago.

"I really needed to have this play first," Maxham said, adding that he just wants people to "feel" for two hours, without being tied to the Internet or their cell phones.

Due to the newness of the production company, there was a somewhat low turnout for auditions, Maxham said.

"But when you're putting on an Arthur Miller play, a special breed of actor comes out," Maxham said. "When you put Arthur Miller's name out there, they beg for the roles."

Santiago Gonzalez, an Onset Village resident who plays Marco, is one such actor who is a fan of Miller's work. Gonzalez has performed in local theatre productions around the area and said he is pleased that Buzzards Play Productions is providing another outlet.

"Every community should have a theatre," Gonzalez said. "This is the best way to do theatre. It's not jaded at all."

In addition to Wareham residents, the play also features an Emerson College professor and two Emerson graduates.

David Krasner, an associate acting professor, found about the production via e=mail and was given the role of lead role of Eddy.

"I've never done anything as difficult as this and I've been acting for 35 years," Krasner said.

One of Krasner's former students, Nick Chris, who graduated from Emerson in May, is also making the trek to Wareham to perform in the production as Rodolpho.

"It's tough sometimes," Chris said of his drive down from Boston, where he waits tables during the day. "But it's worth it to be around these actors."

In addition to promoting local theatre, the playhouse will also be giving back to the community. A portion of the ticket proceeds for the November 12 show will go to the Viking Theatre Company at Wareham High School and a portion of the proceeds for the November 18 show will benefit the Village PTA, which covers the East Wareham, Hammond, and Minot Forest schools.

Michelle Gardina, who is working on marketing and costumes for the production, said the group thought it would be nice to do a benefit. Gardina serves on the Village PTA herself and heard the daughter of a friend, who recently started at Wareham High School, mention that the Viking Theatre Company is in need of money.

"We wanted to keep it local and have something people can relate to," Gardina said.

Arthur Miller's play will be performed at 7 p.m. November 11, 12, 18 and 19 and at 4 p.m. on November 20 at Buzzards Play Productions, 3065 Cranberry Highway. Tickets are $14--$12 for seniors--and can be purchased at the door, via email at Viewtickets@hotmail.com or via phone at 603-531-3994. Credit cards are accepted and group rates are available.