Classic American Novel To Kill a Mockingbird takes Playhouse stage

LACONIA — The Winni Players, the award-winning community theatre arm of The Winnipesaukee Playhouse, is continuing its' Winter tradition of presenting a modern classic by bringing Harper Lee’s "To Kill a Mockingbird" to the stage beginning Friday, February 10.

Christopher Sergel’s adaptation of the novel runs February 10-12 and 15-19 at the Playhouse which is located in Weirs Beach.

Set in Alabama during the Great Depression, "To Kill a Mockingbird" follows the journey of Jem and Scout Finch, whose father has been appointed to defend Tom Robinson, a black man framed for a crime he didn’t commit. As the trial progresses, Jem and Scout witness their community in a tense tug of war between justice and racism. This timeless classic compels us to take an honest look at our nation’s past and our moral responsibility to each other. The book was an instant success when it was published in 1960, winning a Pulitzer Prize for literature.

The story is told by Jean Louise Finch, the grown-up Scout (played by Gilford’s Tamara McGonagle) who remembers how events unfolded during the course of her 10th year. The cast includes 33 local actors ranging in age from 10 to 70+. However, the play hinges on three youthful performers as the play’s lesson, that you should try to put yourselves in other people’s shoes before judging them, is emphasized through their eyes.

Inter-Lakes students Jaydie Halperin and Nevis Van Ooijen take the roles of Scout and her neighbor Dill respectively, and Gilford student Nathan Boutwell plays Jem. Atticus Finch will be played by the voice of the Playhouse, Steven Richmond.

The rest of the cast is made up of Playhouse regulars (John Piquado, Matt Finch, Jim Rogato, Patte Sarausky, Doreen Sheppard, Kris Snow, Ginny Barunas, Howard Amsden, Ken Chapman, Charles Fray, Johan Anderson, Diane Nickerson, Ursula Boutwell, Michael Baker, Heather Hunt, and Emily Hanf) as well as talented newcomers (Bruce Smith, Jennifer Summers, TJ Davis, Doug Embree, Sandy McLaughlin, Sandra Barnes, Tom Mann, John Everett, Simone Henderson, Sammy O’Neil, Francine Van Ooijen, and Suzanne Banister).

Director Bryan Halperin says, "To Kill a Mockingbird holds a special place in the hearts of many, due to either the famous movie version starring Gregory Peck or the book itself. We’re proud to bring this story to the Lakes Region, and the message of the play remains as timely as ever. We still don’t always do a very good job of trying to view things through the eyes of people we disagree with and often still judge people based on race, religion, or sexual orientation. If Jem, Dill and Scout can learn Atticus’ important lesson, maybe we can too."

"To Kill a Mockingbird" will be performed in traverse, meaning the audience is on two sides of the performers. "This is a great way to really bring the audience into the story and make them feel a part of Maycomb, Alabama circa 1935. We’ve had a lot of success with these types of plays in this formation including 'Our Town' and 'Twelve Angry Men'," says Halperin.

Performances will be at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse, Rts. 3 and 11b, Weirs Beach and will be at 7 p.m. with the exception of Sunday, February 12 and Sunday, February 19 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are already selling briskly and early reservations are encouraged. Tickets can be reserved by calling 366-7377. Visit www.winniplayhouse.org for more details.

PHOTO CAPTION:

Photo shows the trial of Tom Robinson (Bruce Smith). The children, Scout (Jaydie Becket Halperin), Dill (Nevis Van Ooijen) and Jem (Nathan Boutwell) sit in the "colored" section of the courtroom. (Courtesy photo)