The cast and crew breathes life into the story of To Kill A Mockingbird with such finesse that the audience is – for one evening – transported back to a summer in Maycomb, Alabama in 1935 and invited to witness Atticus Finch, his children, and the members of the community prepare for a trial being treated with an almost carnival like attitude right down to “picnics on the lawn of the courthouse.”
In 1960, Harper Lee’s only novel To Kill A Mockingbird was published to critical and financial success, despite warnings by her publishers the book might not be well received due to the subject matter.
The novel went on to become a Pulitzer Prize winner and is still highly regarded. The story concerns a southern lawyer who is assigned to represent a black manaccused of attacking the daughter of a despised local.
The story is about much more – injustice, the disparity of race relations in the South, the importance of family, loss of loved ones and a loss of innocence. The novel was adapted into a successful 1962 film starring Gregory Peck which was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won three (including one for Peck as Best Actor).
The novel was then adapted by Christopher Sergel into a play in 1990 – and although difficult to fit all the elements of Harper Lee’s story into a two hour window the play does a good job of highlighting elements of the story. Of course, the play itself would be nothing without a strong cast and crew to bring it to life.
This is where the Pennsylvania Playhouse’s production shines.
The residents of Maycomb – from the stalwart Sherrif Heck Tate (Jack Armstrong) to the Reverend Sykes (William Hightower) - are played with such conviction that you feel the stifling heat of the courtroom as ladies fan themselves and believe in the simple warmth of the family on the front porch swing at the Finch home.
There are no weak links in this cast – everyone takes on their role with one hundred percent devotion and never falters. When people are on stage – even without speaking – they are conveying their character with every ounce of talent they can offer.
The story is narrated by two genteel Southern ladies portrayed by Kathy Patterson and Jeanie Olah. When they address the audience it is less “narration” and more like ladies at an afternoon tea getting everyone “caught up” with the latest gossip.
Pat Kelly as Attitcus Finch presents a dignified charm and trustworthiness from the first moment we meet him. He is that long lost creature known as an “honest gentleman” who believes a man is “innocent until proven guilty” and is courageous enough to prove it even if it doesn’t make him the most popular person in town.
Troy Brokenshire as the cruel Bob Ewell is sinister and monstrous every moment on stage – sometimes without saying a word – and it may be difficult not to glance at him during the courtroom scenes to watch the twitches of fury in his face and body.
Katharine Mayke portrays his daughter Mayella, the victim of the alleged rape, with a mixture of fear, anxiety and anger which she never allows to boil into overacting. She gives her character a slow burn that is chilling to watch.
Jerry Brucker as Judge Taylor and Jim Vivian as Gilmer bring the final pieces of authenticity to the courtroom scenes with their perfectly executed characters. Sonia Aviles is wonderful as the caring but strict Calpurnia and Roy Shuler expresses his hopelessness as the accused Tom Robinson in an amazing performance.
The true stand outs – however – are the three children in the show. Jonathon Krippe as Jem and Jordyn Dauter as Scout are absolutely brilliant as the children of Atticus Finch while Zane Childs as Dill (a character who may have been based on Harper Lee’s friend and fellow author Truman Capote) is humorous and heartwarming as an “outsider” visiting his Aunt who is trying to figure out the events going on around him.
Children in plays, especially with such demanding roles as these, have a tendency to become precocious or appear to be simply reciting – these three fine actors remain genuine and engaging and were deserving of the standing ovation they received on the night this reviewer attended.
The characters never fall into stereotypes or try to outshine anybody. There is a unity in this group that makes it feel as if they are not actors – but members of the town of Maycomb and Mr. Miller’s talents can be witnessed in every scene from the gentle moments between a father and his children to the tensions within a courtroom.
The set by Michael Lavelle Shofield and Brett Oliveira is incredible. Swings dangle from the rafters of the Playhouse and a two story set serves as plantation home of the elderly Mrs. Dubose (Sarah-Jane Pierce) and the courtroom.
Every corner of the theater is utilized so there does not feel like there is a bad seatin the house. Mr. Miller and his crew have deftly created a show which allows everyone to feel as if they are part of the story at all times.
The lighting is top-notch including a thunderstorm in a forest done with strobe lights and actors posing as trees which – if not timed as perfectly as during this production– could have felt like a Saturday Night Live skit. The precision of the crew helps make this show work as much as the fine acting on stage.
As if the quality of the show were not enough, this production of To Kill A Mockingbird makes other attempts to engage the audience.
On the night we attended Mary Badham – Academy Award nominated actress who portrayed “Scout” in the 1962 film version – was in attendance to address the audience before and sign autographs afterwards.
In addition, audiences will be visited by author Harper Lee, as portrayed by actress Elizabeth McDonald, at special pre-show performances on Friday, May 30; Sunday, June 8; Thursday, June 12, and Saturday, June 14.
Audience members can also take home a part of the story in the form of buttons with quotes from the novel available for purchase at the concessions stand. In all, it makes for a very engaging and enjoyable evening of theater.
To Kill A Mockingbird has performances at the Pennsylvania Playhouse June 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14 at 8:00PM and June 8 and 15 at 6:00 PM. For tickets call (610) 865-6665 or visit http://www.paplayhouse.org.