Re-reading Harper Lee’s 1960 iconic “To Kill a Mockingbird” or seeing again the equally iconic 1962 Gregory Peck movie version continues to be a rewarding experience. This tale of racial injustice in the deep South in the 1930s bears retelling. Perhaps particularly now because of the controversy surrounding the recent publication of Lee’s “Go Set a Watchman,” which deals with Atticus Finch and his daughter, Scout, 20 years later. To the dismay of the many lovers of the first book, this one shows that Atticus has become a segregationist. However, fans of the original can see a stage adaptation of the book that is true to the original at the amphitheater at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. The Theatricum’s reputation for excellence is further enhanced by this production.
The play, adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel, premiered in 1991. He intended it for middle schools and high schools, but it has been produced in many regional theaters. The production takes full advantage of the large stage and adjacent hillsides. The streets of the Alabama small town of Maycomb in 1935 come to life, as well as neighbors’ porches and gardens, the county jail and the county court house in which Tom Robinson, wrongfully accused of rape, is defended by Atticus Finch.
There are 20 speaking parts and an additional ensemble of some 30 townspeople and children. Ellen Geer, who directed the play, does a masterful job of coordinating all the elements.
Richard Tyson, a veteran film and stage performer, plays Atticus Finch. His style is more vigorous than Gregory Peck’s gentler approach in the movie. This may be attributable to the difference between performing in a large amphitheater without amplification as opposed to a movie studio soundstage. Regardless, Tyson’s performance is moving and captures the essential Atticus Finch.
Scout/Jean Louise, Atticus’ preteen daughter, is portrayed by Lilly Andrew, a Topanga native, who has been coming to the Theatricum since she was little a child. She is in her fourth season in the repertory company. This young lady invests Scout with wide-eyed irrepressible enthusiasm and boundless energy. Her performance in the scene in which she confronts and turns away the Ku Kluxers at the jail coming to lynch Tom Robinson is outstanding.
Thad Geer has the role of Bob Ewell, the redneck father of the rape “victim.” He projects the man’s hatefulness vividly, bringing to mind those horrible photos of lynchings in the bad old days of the last century. The scene in which he spits in Atticus’ face draws an audible gasp from the audience.
Other excellent performances include those given by Max Lawrence (Tom Robinson), Claire Bryétt Andrew (Mayella, Bob Ewell’s daughter) and Melora Marshall (Maudie, a neighbor).
I must include a quibble. My favorite line in the play, as well as in the book and movie, comes after the jury has just convicted Tom. Atticus sadly collects his briefcase, books and papers and walks slowly toward the courtroom door. Above, in the segregated balcony, are Tom’s minister and family. The minister and the others rise and he says to Scout sitting beside him, “Miss Jean Louise, stand up, your father’s passin’.” Others in the courtroom below were talking too loudly making it hard to hear him. This should be subdued so that this wonderful line can be heard clearly.
Performances run through Sept. 27. For tickets, call 310.455.2322 or go to theatricum.com. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 Topanga Canyon Blvd.