Pollard Theatre in Guthrie Presents "To Kill a Mockingbird'

Harper Lee’s beloved novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” plays well at The Pollard Theatre.  Christopher Sergel’s dramatization uses Jean Louise Finch to narrate her childhood experiences as Scout, the irrepressible daughter of small town lawyer Atticus Finch.  The action takes place during a controversial trial that has polarized the small southern town of Maycomb, Alabama during the depression.

As narrator, Jean Louse Finch is played by Gwendolyn Evans while her younger self is Alexandria  Grable. These two look and play very naturally as each other conquering beautifully the hesitancy some directors may have in using this version of the play.  Director W. Jerome Stevenson incorporates the characters with great sensitivity and Grable and Evans are excellent examples.

Atticus Finch is performed by James A. Hughes, a familiar face to Pollard audiences in an unfamiliar role.  These three lead the rest of the cast through the story effortlessly.  Exciting smaller roles are delightfully carried by David Fletcher-Hall as Bob Ewell and Emily Frances Brown as Mayella Ewell.  Fletcher-Hall’s interpretation beautifully illustrates the jealousy that accompanies prejudice and ignorance.  Brown reveals the cost of that ignorance and isolation as she demonstrates the damage her father has done to his family in her performance.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” has some great roles for women, and Stevenson cast great women in those roles.  De’Vin Lewis as Calpurnia is lovely, Beverly Caviness as Maudie Atkinson with Cory King as Stephanie Crawford and Jennifer Rosson as Mrs. Dubose create the typical small town power base that women often hold with wit and sincerity.

Tom Robinson, defendant and victim of racial discrimination is beautifully played by Rory Littleton.  The poignancy of his position is revealed in his demeanor as much as his delivery.  Ben Bates as Reverend Sykes, ministering to the needs of the black community is wise as well as comforting.  Lane Fields plays the small town southern Sheriff,  Heck Tate, as a man who brings a high moral standard to his position.  Clayton Blair as ‘Boo’ Radley is distinctive in his presentation.