Words To Live By

To Kill a Mockingbird – Broadway in Chicago

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is a great and important story in American literature, deserving of all its accolades.  It’s themes -prejudice, racism, classism, mental illness, rape, incest, child abuse and neglect, murder -are difficult to digest. Yet, they strongly resonate of the past and sadly in present day.

To Kill a Mockingbird as a play is not only challenging but brave. The story is about a lawyer who takes on the case of a black man accused of raping a white woman in the deep south of the 1930s. The attorney, Atticus Finch has a son and daughter who suffer the consequences of their fathers decision to defend this man and are affected by their town’s racism and class struggle. A mysterious neighbor tries to help the children deal with uncertainty and the evils of discrimination and bigotry, but often implies another threat. I wish they would’ve delved deeper into the Boo Radley character, as I remember really fearing and being moved by him when reading the book.

Harper Lee’s novel was so meaningful and inspiring, it would need an equally talented cast and crew to create a satisfying theatrical performance. The play I saw was able to do that. The actors were good, and clearly directed by someone (Bartlett Sher) who encouraged their talents. The set design, lighting, sound and costumes were beautifully done. I was curious as to how they were going to present the story as a play. The dynamic stage transitions and props were creatively executed. Richard Thomas is a gifted actor and shines as Atticus. Melanie Moore as Scout, Justin Mark as Jem and Steven Lee Johnson as Dill- adult actors portraying children, were an interesting take, but somewhat questionable. Strong performances were given by Yaegel T. Welch who played Tom Robinson and Arianna Gayle Stucki as Mayella Ewell, the girl who set him up with her father, Bob Ewell (Joey Collins.) I enjoyed Anthony Natale who played Link Deas, the “town drunk” and was impressed by his use of sign language and how the young characters gave words to his voice. Jacqueline Williams as Calpurnia, the caring, dependable and sarcastic maid, as well as Mary Badham, the mean old Mrs. Henry Dubose, who acted as the original Scout in the 1960 feature film, all gave worthy performances. Everyone did an admirable job and I was always kept interested and involved.

The adage, “It is important to walk in a man’s shoes and hear his story to sympathize with him, whether you agree with him or not,” is often difficult to do and takes special thought and consideration. These are the words that Atticus lived by and wanted to teach his children. He is a caring, thoughtful father who strives to protect his children at all costs. The juxtaposition of the other father in the play, Bob Ewell, is stunning.

The character of Atticus Finch sets the bar at its highest level. The message of To Kill a Mockingbird is clear and inspiring but also tells us we have a lot of work to do as a humane and progressive society. If only the world could be kinder, gentler, decent and just.

Recommended

Reviewed by Janice Walczak

Presented May 17 – May 29 by Broadway in Chicago at the Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago.

Tickets are available at all Broadway in Chicago box offices, the BIC Ticket Line at 800-775-2000 or online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.