DAHLONEGA — The National Players, the nation's longest-running classical touring company, is bringing its new production of "The Scarlet Letter" to North Georgia College & State University Wednesday.

During the chilly winter of 1666, the play finds Hester Prynne living in the Massachusetts Bay Colony with her only child. Scorned by her adulterous history, Hester bears the punishment of a scarlet red "A" emblazoned on her chest.

Just beyond Hester's daily cloud creeps her husband, long believed dead, waiting to seek his revenge on Hester as well as the father of her child. Will his murderous plot succeed?

A kiss, evil, nature, the scarlet letter and the punishing scaffold bring Nathaniel Hawthorne's masterpiece to life with vibrancy.

Founded in 1949, National Players is made up of young professional actors. Each year, the company travels throughout the country performing two plays in repertory — one Shakespearean play and one dramatic classic.

National Players has performed in the East Wing of the White House; in Europe, Asia and the Middle East for American military; and throughout 40 states.

Committed to the development of young theatrical talent and audiences, National Players' tours celebrate the experience of theatergoing by presenting the world's greatest dramatic literature.

The show starts at 8 p.m. at Hoag Auditorium. Tickets for the show, which is open to the public, will be $5 at the door or free with a valid North Georgia College & State University ID.

The cast for "The Scarlet Letter" includes Kyle Blair (Reverend Wilson), Hannah Burkauser (Pearl), Jenny Donovan (Second Goodwife/Mistress Hibbins), Chris Egging (Chillingworth), Greg Magee (Reverend Dimmesdale), Kelsey Meiklejohn (First Goodwife), Sam Robinovitz (Bellingham) and Bethany Rowe (Hester).