Theater students from Maricopa High School have written and will perform a play in Florence about the "Baron of Arizona." (File photo)

Students from Maricopa are getting into the act for the Historic Florence Home Tour.

Maricopa High School Theatre Company was asked to perform a bit of history for the 33rd annual event. When local drama clubs were not able to participate, the Florence recreation superintendent knew who to call.

John Nixon was Community Services director in Maricopa before taking the job in Florence. He approached MHS drama teacher Cynthia Calhoun with the committee-chosen title, “The Baron of Arizona,” about infamous fraudster James Reavis. The MHS students jumped at the chance.

“The kids are performing an original script that they wrote about the people of Florence and how they reacted to and banded together against Reavis’ phony Peralta Land Grant claim,” said Calhoun, a master teacher.

She met with Pinal County Historical Museum staff for background to give the theater students solid footing for their storytelling.

“We are excited that a talented high school drama club from Pinal County is willing to come to Florence to perform,” Nixon said.   

The Florence Home Tour started incorporating live plays last year. The drama club from San Tan Foothills High School presented “The Trial of Pearl Hart; Lady Bandit.” Nixon said it was standing-room-only for both performances.

This year, the tour committee asked Calhoun’s troupe to perform three shows for 20-25 minutes each. Nixon said the additional performance would give more visitors the opportunity to view the play.

“The Baron of Arizona” will be performed Feb. 10 at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at McFarland Historical State Park, 24 W. Ruggles St. The home tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn more about the tour at www.florenceaz.gov/hometour.