'To Kill a Mockingbird' to take stage at CLC

Central Lakes College’s Theatre will open Saturday Christopher Segel’s adaptation of HARPER Lee’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel “To Kill A Mockingbird.” Published in 1960 Lee’s work has become a classic of modern American literature.

The plot and characters are loosely based on the author’s observations of her family and neighbors, as well as on events that occurred near her hometown in 1936, when she was 10 years old.

“To Kill A Mockingbird” is renowned for its warmth and humor, despite dealing with serious issues of rape and racial inequality. Segel’s adaptation addresses realistically, alcoholism, drug addiction, incest, rape and racial violence in a small town, portraying the problems of individual characters as universal underlying issues in every society. Lee’s novel is cited as one of major reason for the success of civil rights in the 1960’s.

Scott Lucas is the country lawyer, Atticus Finch, assigned by the court to defend Tom Robinson (Robert Howell): A black man accused of raping a white woman. Atticus’ children are 10-year-old Scout and 14-year-old Jem played by Abby Larson and Jack Friday. Janiqua Robinson is Calpurnia the Finch’s housekeeper.

Where the novel is narrated by Scout as an adult, the play narrator is Miss Maudie (Barb McColgan) a wise old Southern matron. The rest of the cast of 19 include: Kevin Yeager, Jesse Brutscher, Bill Musel, Dustin Beehler, Gary Binda, Tristan Jenkins, Sarah Cooper, Justin Lane, Beatrice Mitchell, Deb Binda, Barb McColgan, Sally Boos and Chuck Kaase.

At a recent rehearsal, the cast reflect upon the plays themes and relevance to today’s society.

Binda said, “Underneath the sleepy, peaceful face of Maycomb lies the darkness that plagues the souls of men. From this darkness springs all the evil of society from petty gossip to the injustice of racism. Against this background we find the innocence, honesty and openness of children who remind us what it is to be human.”

Abby Larson who plays 9-year-old Scout, spoke of her character. “Scout is a young girl who’s not afraid to speak her mind. She’s a smart girl that is learning about life and the cruel people in it ... She understands one thing, all people are created equal and no matter what happens, she has to stand up for what is right.”

Scott Lucas reflected on the role of Atticus Finch; “The citizens of Maycomb County while knowing the truth, choose to live in lies about their own values ... Atticus insists on seeing and living the truth regardless of what it costs him. By the ending of the play, he is nearly broken by the wrongness of the world around him … he is restored by his daughter bringing his values back to him.”

Actor Kevin Yeager view of the play is “This is a classic story still relevant today. The issues of prejudice, self righteousness and misguided judgment applies to so many areas of our lives. The time is different, the characters are gone but the story lives on in all of us.”

“The title To Kill a Mockingbird, means to kill something that is harmless or innocent.” said Tristan Maxwell Jenkins.

The production is directed by CLC’s director of theatre Dennis Lamberson. The production is presented in-the-round in the Dryden Black Box Theatre with no member of the audience further than 12-feet from the action of this powerful stark drama. The show contains controversial themes, and is recommended for ages 10 years and older. No young children or infants will be admitted. The Dryden Theatre seats only 100 patrons for this production and it is recommended tickets be purchased in advance by calling the theatre box office at 855-8199 or online at www.clctickets.com. Production dates are at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Wednesday and Feb. 16-17 and 19 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday and Feb. 19. The Feb. 19 will be an American Sign Language Interpreted performance and Saturday and Sunday are Pay-What-You – Can performances with a minimum cost of $ 1. Regular admission is $6 and 25 cents for CLC students.