To Kill a Mockingbird, the classic American novel by Harper Lee, was published in 1960 and its themes still resonate today. The Indiana Repertory Theatre’s latest production of this important work is rich in the imagery and tension that made the original so loved.
Starring IRT veteran Ryan Artzberger as the lawyer Atticus Finch, and featuring Paula Hopkins as Scout, Grayson Molin as Jem, and Lauren Briggeman as grown up Jean Louise Finch, the play moves seamlessly between the worlds of the innocence of children and the prejudice of the adult world. The adult Jean Louise acts as a narrator to the activities, staying in the background and at the side of her younger self. Dill, played by Mitchell Wray, is obsessed with mysterious neighbor Boo Radley (Christopher Walz), and has several schemes to bring Boo out of his house. Doomed Tom Robinson (Daniel A. Martin) is on trial for his life, falsely accused of rape by Mayella Ewell (Katherine Shelton) and her horrible father Bob (Robert Neal). Gentle Reverend Sykes (James Solomon Benn) and the rest of the black community in Maycomb, Alabama, and some of the whites, believe a terrible injustice has been served by the conviction of Tom, who is then killed trying to escape from prison. Ewell, humiliated by Finch’s defense of Robinson, vows revenge and attacks Scout and Jem as they return from a Halloween party. Suddenly, Boo appears and rescues the children, and kills Bob Ewell. The sheriff (Tim Grimm) refuses to arrest Boo, who returns to his home escorted by Scout.
Scenic designer Bill Clarke created a great set for the production, with a life-like tree, Radley home, and porches that evoke the deep south during the Great Depression. Light designer Betsy Cooprider-Bernstein’s lighting choices create the appropriate mood for the piece, and director Janet Allen moves the characters through the emotional story. The only slight flaw was it was sometimes difficult to hear the cast as they moved downstage.
The IRT’s 2016 season has continued to surprise and challenge the theatre-going audience with consistently excellent productions; To Kill a Mockingbird on the Mainstage is a must-see for fans of the original novel, and for theatre lovers in Indianapolis. It continues through Feb. 28. Visit www.irtlive.com or call 635-5252 for ticket information. The IRT is located at 140 W. Washington St.
