Broadway at the Marcus Center presents: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

(l to r) Justin Mark (“Jem Finch”), Richard Thomas (“Atticus Finch”), Melanie Moore (“Scout Finch”) and Steven Lee Johnson (“Dill Harris”). Photo by Julieta Cervantes

By Mary Boyle
 
When Harper Lee’s book, To Kill A Mockingbird, was published in 1960, she had no idea the impact it would have in our country.  A Southern Gothic based on events from her own hometown of Monroeville, Alabama in 1936, when Lee was just ten years old, the novel became an instant American classic that has never been out of print.  Just two years after the novel was published, the film, starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, was released, also achieving instant success and awarding Peck with an Oscar for Best Actor.  Interestingly, it took until 1990 for a play to be created – a production in Monroeville by Christopher Sergel that has become a beloved tradition for the townspeople.  While this play made several tours in the UK, it has never seen a Broadway production until Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin unveiled his new version on Broadway in 2018 starring Jeff Daniels as Atticus Finch.  In 2022, the production went on tour, which is why Milwaukee area audiences are finally able to see Sorkin’s TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD on the big stage.

Directed by Bartlett Sherr, To Kill A Mockingbird is a story told by a young girl, modeled after Lee, named “Scout” Finch (Melanie Moore), who lives in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama during the Great Depression.  Her widowed father, Atticus (Richard Thomas), the town’s lawyer, is called to represent Tom Robinson (Yaegel T. Welch), who has been accused of beating and raping Mayella Ewell (Mariah Lee), the eldest daughter of Bob Ewell (Ted Koch), one of the town’s most vocal KKK members.  While the trial rocks the community, Scout and her older brother, Jem (Justin Mark), befriend Dill Harris (Seven Lee Johnson), who is staying with his aunt for the summer.  These three children, despite the best efforts of their father and caretaker, Calpurnia (Jacqueline Williams), become as caught up in the trial as Atticus, learning both the horrors and the wonders of the people in their community.

I wish I could say that this story was no longer relevant; alas, it’s clear that we need it now every bit as much as we did in 1960 – not just because racism continues to be a problem, but because the story presents themes that we still wrestle with today, such as gender roles, class, and justice.  Moreover, it is such an important snapshot of where we have been, how far we have come, and where we don’t want to go ever again.  In truth, I can’t ever imagine a time when this story will not be essential.

Although the main character of the book is Scout, subsequent versions of the story focus more on Atticus, and this version of the tale is no different.  Lee, herself, had issues with this; in fact, the production would have happened sooner but for a dispute about this very issue.  Thankfully, both sides came to an agreement, and Scout has a prominent role as the narrator of the play, as it is her innocence that makes the story so profound.  Despite dealing with some serious topics, such as rape and murder, there is plenty of laughter to be found over the course of the play, which makes the two hour and thirty-five minute run time pass efficiently.  Richard Thomas is a gem as Atticus, but the rest of the cast is equally well cast, with great costuming by Ann Roth.  The set design by Miriam Buether can be a bit clumsy, but everything else is so good you won't really notice.

There’s a reason why hundreds and thousands of high school students had to read this book: if you think you know the story, I urge you to see it again as a play; if you’ve never experienced To Kill A Mockingbird, the theatre is the best way.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD runs through November 12th at the Marcus Performing Arts Center's Uihlein Hall, located at 929 N. Water Street in downtown Milwaukee.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.marcuscenter.org/ or by calling 414-273-7206. 


About Marcus Performing Arts Center
A mission-based non-profit organization located in downtown Milwaukee, the Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC)brings high-quality arts and cultural programming to Southeastern Wisconsin. MPAC strives to act as an energizing force that connects the community to the world through collaboration, innovation, social engagement, and the transformative power of the performing arts. Through multiple performance series, community events, and educational experiences, MPAC brings a diverse range of celebrated artists to the region. A fixture in Milwaukee for over 50 years, MPAC is proud to be part of the Milwaukee Theater District as well as a dedicated War Memorial facility. Learn more at www.MarcusCenter.org.
Johnson Financial Group, with offices in Wisconsin and Minnesota, is a privately owned financial services company offering banking, wealth and insurance solutions through its subsidiaries, Johnson Bank, Johnson Wealth, and Johnson Insurance Services.  For more information visit johnsonfinancialgroup.com.
Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of the John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands. Led by 18-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 48 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon and Hamilton. Current and past productions include Ain’t Too Proud, Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Mean Girls, Moulin Rouge! and To Kill A Mockingbird.