To Kill a
Mockingbird
Shubert Theatre
May 18, 2019
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| Photo courtesy of To Kill a Mockingbird |
Experiencing the Broadway production of To Kill a Mockingbird far exceeds any of the expectations you might have from the praise it continually receives. Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation preserves the heart of Harper Lee’s coming of
age classic. He gives voice to the racial injustice portrayed in the story in a more direct
manner so it becomes relatable to a present-day audience. He develops
numerous minor characters, which magnifies Atticus Finch’s continually telling
the children that you will never truly know a person until you “live in their
skin.” This is a slight glimpse into how
Mr. Sorkin creates a visceral experience with his adaptation that deepens the
connection to an already engaging, touching, and well-known story. Combine that with phenomenal direction by
Bartlett Sher and an amazing cast, lead by Jeff Daniels and Celia
Keenan-Bolger, and the theatre rings with an energy that heals and uplifts your
soul.
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| Celia Keenan-Bolger & Jeff Daniels Photo courtesy of To Kill a Mockingbird |
The
story goes back and forth in time, starting with Scout Finch (played by Celia
Keenan-Bolger), her brother Jem Finch (played by Will Pullen), and their friend
Dill Harris (played by Gideon Glick) questioning how someone can die from
falling on their knife. This debate takes
them back and forces a close review of the events that took place the summer of
1934 in Maycomb, Alabama, when their father, Atticus Finch (played by Jeff Daniels)
was appointed by Judge Taylor (played by Dakin Matthews) to defend Tom Robbins
(played by Gbenga Akinnagbe) for the rape and beating of Mayella Ewell (played
by Erin Wilhelmi). The trial is
interspersed throughout the telling of the story while the close relationships
of the Finch family are revealed. The outraged
community response to Atticus’ defense strategies are threatening to the family’s
safety.
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| Jeff Daniels & Gbenga Akkinnagbe Photo courtesy of To Kill a Mockingbird |
Celia
Keenan-Bolger, Will Pullen, and Gideon Glick narrate the transitions of the story. Their chemistry and timing are flawless. They are genuine and truthful. Their growth from innocence toward adulthood
is clear and endearing. Jeff Daniel’s makes
the iconic role of Atticus Finch authentically his own. He creates a multi-dimensional father whose
primary focus is to instill a sense of decency and integrity in his
children. His character is real, human, flawed,
and straightforward.
There
are numerous reasons why Harper Lee’s To
Kill a Mockingbird won a Pulitzer Prize in 1960 and has become one of the
most well-known and well-loved American classics. This production not only captures all of
those reasons, but deepens the level of understanding in Ms. Lee’s themes and
compassionate point of view.
Domenick Danza
