TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
by Christopher Sergelbased on the novel by Harper Lee
Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players
Director-Kate Hicks
Assistant Director-Alan Meadows
Producers-Kathy Cochran & Kathy McClure
Stage Manager-Shirley Meadows
Properties-Laura Gutzman & Judy Barnett
Sound-Alan Meadows & Brian Anderson
Lighting-Alan Meadows & Leah King
Costume Designer-Shannon Loose
Scenic Artists- Julie Lee, Hillard Cochran & Lee Pierce
CAST
Atticus Finch-Hillard Cochran
Scout-Hayden Moore
Jem-Tommy Benke
Calpurnia-Bonnie Jordan
Dill-Nolan Moralez
Maude Atkinson- Denise Fisher
Walter Cunningham- Robert Houston
Reverend Sykes- Will Niles
Heck Tate- Barry Swindall
Stephanie Crawford- Amanda Stevens
Mrs. Dubose- Corlis Cornils
Tom Robinson- Damion Rush
Judge Taylor- Dick Helmcamp
Mr. Gilmer- Steve Stevens
Bow Ewell- Jay A Cornils
Mayella- Marcie Allison
Nathan Radley-Jesse Ashcraft
Boo Radley- Ted Benke
Clerk- Jennifer Moore
Helen Robinson- Ty Todd
Voice of Walter Cunningham- Monieree Houston
Townspeople- Veronica Houston, Judy Houston, Frances Watson,
Devin Moralez
Rev. Sykes Choir- Ben Williams, Eva Williams
Reviewed Performance: 3/13/2011
Reviewed by Shelley Kaehr, Associate Critic for John Garcia's THE COLUMN
I hadn't thought about this material since my English lit class in college, but I was instantly drawn back into the important subject matter through stellar performances by the entire cast, particularly eleven year old Kayden Moore, for her heartfelt portrayal of Scout, and Hillard Cochran, whose brilliant turn as Atticus Finch left me recalling Gregory Peck in the film version.
The sets were amazing. I was impressed with both the homes constructed for the scenes at the Finches house, and the jury room which was well staged and required the audience to act as jury for the condemned Tom Robinson. Side and front aisles used to portray the prison and sidewalks in front of the court kept the staging fresh and original. Singing by choir members Ben Williams and Eva Williams with help from Reverend Sykes (Will Niles) and the awesome Bonnie Jordan as Calpurnia added tremendous emotional depth.
Director Kate Hicks chose her difficult subject matter with careful intent not to change the potentially offensive language, but to honor it as part of the past which should not be forgotten.
To Kill a Mockingbird holds as timely a message today as when it was first penned. To me, the victim represents any of a number of societal injustices and the need for heroes to courageously stand up against oppressors and speak the truth.
I applaud Carnegie Players for their bold production and highly recommend you attend between now and March 27 at the Cleburne Civic Theater in the Cleburne Conference Center located at 1501 West Henderson.
The Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players
1501 W. Henderson St., Cleburne, TX 76033
Plays through March 27th
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm
Tickets are $12 with $8 senior, pre-school children and student discount.
For tickets and information, go to www.carnegieplayers.com or call 817-645-9255.
