Riverside, Calif. (Nov. 13, 2015) -- Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" comes to life in the Wallace Theatre this weekend as the second production of the fall semester at California Baptist University.

Bradbury's play, published in 1979, is based on his 1953 book with the same title, which refers to the temperature at which paper ignites. Fahrenheit 451 is a story of a futuristic dystopian society where books are illegal. Ironically, in Bradbury's classic tale the job of firemen is not to put out fires, but to burn books.

Fireman Guy Montag befriends Clarisse, a teenager who is a reader and is part of the resistance. As a result, Montag becomes increasingly skeptical of what he is doing.

Frank Mihelich, assistant professor of theatre and the play's director, made a few changes to the storyline. Instead of taking place in the future, the play's setting is in modern times where reading and possessing books is illegal and the laws against such acts are strictly enforced. Mihelich said he wants the audience to consider that modern society could be only a few choices away from producing such a reality.

"At its heart, ‘Fahrenheit 451' is a cautionary tale," Mihelich said.

Katie Kostecka, a sophomore journalism and theatre double major, plays Clarisse. Clarisse never sways on her beliefs, despite the suppression happening around her, Kostecka said.

"I think political correctness is a big topic in society today," she said. "People would rather avoid topics, eliminating them completely, rather than have the tough conversations.

"Clarisse is not afraid of those topics, and she is not afraid to stand out rather than fit the mold society wishes to place her in," Kostecka said. 

"Fahrenheit 451"

When: Friday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
            Saturday, Nov.14 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
            Thursday, Nov. 19 – Saturday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and also a Saturday
            matinee at 2:00 p.m.

Where: California Baptist University's Wallace Theatre                  

Tickets: General admission tickets are $15, with discounts offered for senior citizens and CBU students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Information: For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Wallace Theatre box office at 951-343-4319.