The tale of a town in turmoil, “Salem,” unravels the fabric of 17th century Massachusetts society as it explores the era of the famous, one could say infamous, witch trials.

Deftly combining actual history with the mystical, “Salem” artfully weaves a web of fantasy anchored by an intriguing romantic element between the two major characters.

“Salem” debuted at 9 p.m. April 20 on WGN America. This is WGN America’s first original series so expectations are high.

Given the track record of Brannon Braga and Adam Simon, who serve as cocreators/executive producers/writers, and a passionate cast of both veterans and relative newcomers, omens are good that this project will catch fire with viewers, particularly the large contingent of fantasy fans that have made a cult smash of “The Walking Dead.”

The award-winning Braga brings to the table his experience with hits such as “24” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation” while Simon’s “The Haunting in Connecticut” gives him “street cred” in this emerging television genre.

Janet Montgomery (“Entourage,” “Black Swan”) brings a fragile beauty to the lead role of Mary Sibley. However, that fragile beauty only clouds a steely resolve allowing her to craft a complex character who can be both ruthless and vulnerable. She is the most powerful enchantress in “Salem,” and one suspects she will enchant viewers as well.

“The fact that this is a combination of horror and a period piece is a real challenge for an actress, but the scripts are brilliant,” Montgomery said.

The voice of reason in this manic milieu is pragmatic, war-hardened John Alden, played with power and assuredness by Shane West. Viewers will know West from his successful turns on hits such as “Nikita” and the mega-hit “ER.” The Baton Rouge native has worked in this area once before when he appeared in the film “Year One” with Jack Black.

One of the most recognizable faces in this strong ensemble is Xander Berkeley (“Air Force One,” “Terminator II,” “A Few Good Men,” “Amistad”). As a veteran of so many major films, Berkeley is also comfortable working in television.

“Television has totally changed. Now, with this format, you have the luxury of time to develop your character in depth. And the powers that be on this show are focused on quality and attention to detail,” Berkeley said.

Nowhere is that attention to detail more evident than in the creation of the wardrobe for 17th century townsfolk. That job has gone to veteran costume designer Joseph Pirro, who likes working in the realm of fantasy and sci-fi as well as period productions such as “Salem.” In the past, he has worked on such films as “Resident Evil: Extinction,” “Stargate” and “Tombstone.”

Porro has gone to great lengths to ensure the wardrobe is as authentic and true to the period as possible. The original wardrobe created for the first episode alone filled 60 clothing racks, and all clothing was designed and made in only four weeks. Additional costumes were also procured from specialty collections in London and other international locations.

Production designer for “Salem” is Seth Reed. With a master’s degree in architecture, he practiced architecture for 10 years before transferring his skills to the art of film for the production of “Tombstone” in Arizona. His architectural approach to set design has proved invaluable for the creative visualization/planning process as he took over the “Salem” project from the original designer. He is responsible for overseeing the expansive interior and exterior sets representing 17th century Massachusetts. Reed and his team continue to enhance the full scale buildings and cobblestone streets and the detailed elements creating the authentic look and feel of the era.

The company built extensive exterior sets in the woods near Grand Cane just south of Shreveport, and the interior filming has been on sets built in the StageWorks facility downtown Shreveport.