By, Heather Warner
The countdown is on for WGN America’s first original dramatic series! “Salem” is about to take you inside the most notorious witch trials of the 17th century. The production of the Tribune-backed drama takes place in Shreveport, Louisiana. That’s where journalists from around the country gathered two weeks ago, to get a look inside this expansive production. Together, we met the cast and crew, and toured the incredible indoor and outdoor set. We also met the costume and set designers who paid close attention to the details of 17th century Massachusetts.
The drama is based largely on the historical events of the past, and includes many real characters from that volatile time period.
“Salem” stars Janet Montgomery (“Human Target, “Made in Jersey”) as Mary Sibley, Shane West (“Nikita,” ER”) as John Alden, Seth Gabell (“Fringe”) as Cotton Mather, Xander Berkeley (“Nikita,” “The Mentalist”) as Magistrate Hale, Ashley Madekwe (“Revenge”) as Tituba, Tamzin Merchant (“Jane Eyre”) as Anne Hale, Elise Eberle (“The Astronaut Farmer”) as Mercy Lewis and Iddo Goldberg (“Mob City”) as Isaac Walton.
Award-winning writer/producer Brannon Braga (“24,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation, Voyager and Enterprise”) created, executive-produced and wrote “Salem”, alongside Adam Simon (“The Haunting in Connecticut”).
In “Salem”, Louisiana, witches are real, but they are not who, or what they seem. The series is full of romance, suspense, panic, hysteria, and plenty of twists.
“Salem” premieres on WGN America on April 20, 2014.
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Cast on Twitter:
Shane West: @shanewest_1
Seth Gabel: @sethgabel
Ashley Madekwe: @smashleybell
Elise Eberle: @eliseeberle
Tamzin Merchant: @tamzinmerchant