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To Kill a Mockingbird
Reviewed by Pauline Adamek
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
Through Sept. 27
RECOMMENDED:
Ellen Geer directs a large ensemble of actors and, together with the design team and crew, the Theatricum Botanicum company delivers an endearing stage version of one of the most beloved novels in American literature.
To Kill A Mockingbird is Harper Lee’s poignant and autobiographical tale of one pivotal summer while growing up in a small town in the Deep South during the 1930s. In it, Lee examines social mores and the prevalence of racism through the eyes of central character Scout, here exceptionally well played by Lily Andrew. The novel has been beautifully adapted to the stage by Christopher Sergel, with certain adjustments necessary for the medium. An important adjustment is the transference of the narration of the book (Scout aka Jean Louise reminiscing about her childhood) to observations from one of the older spinster neighbors, Miss Maudie (nicely portrayed by Melora Marshall). The story’s various plot points will likely be familiar to most audience members and they flow nicely from one to the next.
The innocence of 8-year old Scout is forever altered when her public defender-father Atticus (Richard Tyson) defends a poor black man Tom (Max Lawrence) accused of raping a white woman, Mayella (Claire Bryett Andrew). In the events leading up to the drama of the trial, as well as its aftermath, Scout, her older brother Jem (Clint Blakely), and their friend named Dill (Cameron Rose), experience the shocking prejudice ingrained in their small Southern town.
The rustic, outdoor setting of Theatricum Botanicum’s Topanga Canyon amphitheater is perfectly suited to this quaint tale. A swinging rope hangs from one of the large trees that encircle the stage. The numerous dirt paths leading away from the broad wooden stage provide ample entrances and exits for the characters, often seen in small clusters, such as a gaggle of local kids taunting Scout or a handful of townsfolk passing by. At one point, half a dozen or so parishioners from the “Negro” church drop by to solicit aide for Helen Robinson (Crystal Clark), the wife of the accused man. At several well-selected points in the play – just a handful – this group sings hymns such as the uplifting “This little light of mine,” combining sweet and simple harmonies with the tinkle of a tambourine. This unobtrusive musical element lends a deep and warm sentiment to the play and is especially effective as a grace note to conclude Act 1, following a tense and emotional scene.
Another lovely touch is the quiet presence throughout most of the play of a very well-behaved tawny mutt who sits downstage left, just inside Miss Maudie’s picket fence.
A chilling scene where some of the townsfolk assemble as a lynch mob to intimidate Atticus into releasing Tom from the local lockup is embellished by director Geer (or possibly playwright Sergel) by having the men appear in Ku Klux Klan hooded robes. It’s a spooky choice that adds considerable impact.
Act 2 is mostly concerned with the trial, and it’s here that we see Tyson as Atticus in his element. Tyson played a memorable villain in the movie Kindergarten Cop, so it’s pleasing to see him in a kind, fatherly role. Some costuming choices, however, are questionable, such as the decision to wear motorcycle boots and sport a carved silver bangle throughout; so out-of-character for the three-piece suited persona of Atticus. He also brings a great deal more heat to the performance than we saw in Gregory Peck’s dignified personification on screen, making this role his own. In the courtroom, Tyson is a thundering firebrand, hollering and arguing for his client to be given justice.
Thad Geer is genuinely terrifying as the drunken low life Bob Ewell, blustering and menacing while clad in torn and stained clothing. As the pure heart of the story, Lily Andrew’s performance as Scout is deeply affecting.
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga Canyon; Saturday, Sept. 12, 3:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 27, 3:30 p.m. (Bring a cushion and hat for matinees); through Sept. 27. (310) 455-2322, www.theatricum.com
Running time is 2 hours, including a 10-minute intermission.
