To get my students excited when we did "The Crucible," I developed this plan:
Scripts: Take the time to make enough copies of the play for each character to hold and read. Students can help you highlight each script for one part. Label each script for the highlighted character. Do one or two extra in case one gets lost. I downloaded scripts from the internet and stapled them together bookstyle (2 staples on one side) so they would feel like real scripts plus be durable.
Casting: Make them familiar with the characters first. Before you cast the play, give them a who's who. Do it on the board and leave it up for a few days. Equate the characters on the play with someone they already know from TV or movies.
Cut to the juicy stuff: explain the implications between characters. Who had a fight with who? What motivates them to be bad, or how did they become a victim?
Tryouts: Tell them they have one day to select the part they want to read. Make them audition so they feel like they have something to really compete for.
Allow for stand ins in every class in case someone is absent.
Post the cast list on the wall outside your room so they can check it before class.
Let them practice reading with partners while you walk around appealing to the ham in them.
Get some students to do simple props and backgrounds.
Others can do sound effects, makeup and lighting. You could even get someone to direct.
Go to the $1 a yard section of material at Wal mart. Don't get carried away, but do something for costumes. Maybe students can bring old stuff from home. A play can take the whole 6 weeks if you play it right, pun intended. Before you know it, you'll have ideas out the yingyang. Invite other classes to come see your 'performance.' Be sure you give them a quick lesson on play etiquette so nobody interrupts.