Compelling 'To Kill a Mockingbird' with Richard Thomas blends tragedy with humor
It is fitting that young Scout (Melanie Moore) has the first and last words in the national touring production of "To Kill a Mockingbird."
Younger generations inevitably sit in judgment of their elders. We can only hope, as they see our flaws and faults, that they will make a determined effort to understand why we did what we did.
Featuring TV star Richard Thomas as Atticus Finch, the "Mockingbird" that began a week of performances Tuesday at the Marcus Performing Arts Center is a terrific production with a superb cast. While it dramatizes a story of racial injustice with appropriate gravity, it is also filled with humor. I laughed a lot more than I would have imagined.
Harper Lee's 1960 novel is enduringly popular and a frequent school text. But the novel, and the 1962 film adaptation starring Gregory Peck, have been criticized as a "white savior" narrative. Some also have attacked the novel for its use of the N-word and other racial insults demeaning Black people.
Aaron Sorkin's adaptation, which debuted on Broadway in 2018, has country lawyer Atticus step off the pedestal of sainthood. He's a good man, but he has flaws and is called to task for them here. Equally important, within the parameters of Harper Lee's original story, Sorkin's script gives Black housekeeper Calpurnia (Jacqueline Williams) and innocent defendant Tom Robinson (Yaegel T. Welch) greater opportunity to speak truth to the racist society of 1934.
As Robinson's court-appointed attorney, Atticus defends him against the false charge of raping Mayella Ewell (Mariah Lee). But Robinson is really on trial for the crime of being Black in this small Southern town. That's what creates the sense of tragedy about "To Kill a Mockingbird."
Thomas' Atticus is an incorrigible idealist who urges the effort to see the good in everyone, even Mayella's hateful father Bob Ewell (Ted Koch). Thomas lets us see that Atticus is sometimes naive in preaching this gospel, as the lawyer's fiery son Jem (Justin Mark) points out. The tragedy of Atticus is his slowness to realize how few of his fellow Maycombites share his sense of fairness.
Sorkin uses the children — Scout, Jem and their new friend Dill (Steven Lee Johnson) — as narrators and witnesses throughout the production. We're always aware of their presence. These adult actors infuse their performances with childlike energy.
Moore, a former "So You Think You Can Dance" champion, is a kinetic ball of tomboy energy. Justin Mark gives us a sharp-minded, pugnacious Jem. Johnson's Dill, frequently the comic relief, in some ways parallels Atticus with his mixture of erudite brilliance and naivete. One of the sweetest moments here is when Atticus, having grasped the boy's secret suffering, comforts Dill.
The children, especially Jem, also represent a challenge to the gradualism of Atticus, Sheriff Tate (Travis Johns) and Judge Taylor (Jeff Still), who want change but caution that it takes time. In a pointed yet funny remark, Calpurnia observes that the promised new morning is sure taking its time getting here.
Thomas brings star power to dramatic courtroom scenes, but never bigfoots his younger colleagues in their scenes together. Both Calpurnia and Robinson call Atticus to task when he patronizes them or fails to grasp their situations as Black people. Welch, who invests Robinson with dignity and power, actually has to tell his lawyer to stop and listen. To this Atticus' credit, he apologizes when called on his wrongs.
It is a pleasure to see a quality drama on the big stage of capacious Uihlein Hall. Directed by Bartlett Sher, this "Mockingbird" moves with choreographic precision. Even furniture-moving moments were a pleasure to watch. And the show began within a minute of announced starting time, a rarity in Milwaukee theater.
In a recent interview, Thomas said he would like to see more plays touring the country. If they can all be this good, I'll second that.
In a sweet callback, Mary Badham plays nasty old Mrs. Dubose in this production. Badham played the young Scout in the 1962 film and has been an enthusiastic ambassador for this story ever since.
If you go
The national touring company of "To Kill a Mockingbird" performs through Nov. 12 at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N. Water St. For ticket info, visit marcuscenter.org or call (414) 273-7206.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 'To Kill a Mockingbird' with Richard Thomas is a stunning production
