Young People's Theatre to Open 2014-15 Season With TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, Oct 6

Young People's Theatre is very proud to open the 2014/15 season with the stage adaptation of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Directed by Allen MacInnis, this extraordinary play will be presented on the Mainstage from October 6 to November 2, 2014.

To Kill a Mockingbird is an unforgettable coming-of-age story that examines racial injustice in Depression-era Alabama through the eyes of a child. It became both a critical success and an instant bestseller when first published in 1960. The book went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and was later made into an Academy Award-winning film.

In response to an overwhelming number of requests from adults wishing to see the play -- with or without young people -- YPT has taken the unusual step of adding evening performances to the schedule. Added performances take place Saturdays at 7pm on October 11, 18, 25 and November 1.

"Laws have changed and many social structures have improved since the 1930s. That has helped in the continuing quest to achieve equality for all citizens. The recent events in Ferguson, Missouri however, are a disturbing example --- legislation is not enough to eradicate racism. Fairness and equality aren't achieved by laws or policies but by how human beings deal with each other. To Kill a Mockingbird illustrates how important it is to link the law with actual practice." - Allen MacInnis (View a clip of Allen talking about the play at youngpeoplestheatre.ca.)

The cast includes: Hume Baugh, Lisa Berry, Matthew Brown, Mark Crawford, Joan Gregson, Thomas Hauff, Joe Matheson, Jessica Moss, Jeff Miller, Tal Shulman, Noah Spitzer, Caroline Toal, Rudy Webb.

The creative team includes: Set & Costume Design by Dana Osborne, Lighting Design by Lesley Wilkinson, Sound Design by John Gzowski, Assistant Direction by Beth Helmers.

To Kill a Mockingbird: A Forum -- On Tuesday, September 23, YPT will present a special evening featuring a moderated panel discussion on the many questions that continue to surround this book that is at once iconic and controversial. Guests include Rosemary Sadlier, President of the Ontario Black History Society. Call 416.862.2222 to reserve your seat or visit youngpeoplestheatre.ca for more information. Admission is complimentary and refreshments will be provided.

DETAILS:

To Kill a Mockingbird

Written by Harper Lee

Dramatized by Christopher Sergel

Directed by Allen MacInnis

On the Mainstage October 6 to November 2, 2014 | Recommended for ages 11 & up

Media Opening: Thursday, October 9 at 1PM | Community Opening: 7PM

Young People's Theatre | 165 Front Street East, Toronto

Tickets: $15-$30 | HST & service charges extra (prices subject to change)

Box Office: 416.862.2222 | Online tickets & more information: youngpeoplestheatre.ca