Review: Freely Sounds the Mockingbird's Song in CCTC's TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Grasping the basic concept of Harper Lee's iconic To Kill A Mockingbird is not the most difficult of tasks: anyone who has any feeling of moral sympathy or concern for his fellow man can acknowledge that the destruction of Tom Robinson during the years of the Depression was brought about by unnecessary and irrational forms of hatred - a hatred that still unfortunately exists today amongst people of different races and beliefs. Regardless of one's standpoint before delving into this novel, it is impossible not to blame the inconceivable way in which this character was found guilty on anything but a collective blind prejudice; this novel makes this dreadfully obvious to even the most biased of persons. What Mockingbird so aptly portrays is humankind's ironic inability to live in a world that is purely black and white, bringing forth characters such as young Scout who questions the integrity of everything amongst the confines of a society of rigid townspeople who should know better yet continue to keep their unchanging, bigoted ways about them for the world to see and gradually adopt. Although 1960 was quite some time ago, the basis of this novel and the moral it teaches have the unique ability to remain in the hearts of anyone, from any time period and of any state of mind, who has dared to have individual perspectives challenged and humanity restored.

Now brought to the stage, thus making the message of a shared humanity that much more profound, the Cape Cod Theatre Company has given us a production that is worthy of more than just the audience's time and consideration: it is a lesson that must be carefully taught to each of us again and again, a confirmation that people have the right to be considered individuals beneath the watchful eye of unchanging men, and a song that should not cease because people are too blind to hear its call.

Directed by Julie Allen Hamilton, with an adaptation by Christopher Sergel and Nina K. Schuessler serving as Producing Artistic Director, CCTC's To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the most engaging and riveting adaptations of a novel I have seen thus far. Having read the novel less than a year ago, I was intrigued then by Lee's plot, and now seeing it on stage for the first time brought that appreciation to fruition all over again; I was quite blatantly reminded of how much I enjoyed experiencing this story through the written word, now to have it acted before me with such potent accuracy. The profound nature of this novel is not to be taken lightly, even though there is such irony to be found here, where things that are not as they seem are in a perpetual battle with people who see their world in a single, rigid manner: the frivolity meant of a child is instead replaced by wisdom and inquisitiveness possessed by young Scout, who is all the more radiant because of her ability to be of a sound mind; her very un-childlike nature is already a contradiction, so no doubt the way she thinks should counter what is meant to be "right" in this story.

There is so much beauty to be found in the novel alone, but presenting such a serious plot on stage and hoping that audiences will warm up to it might be a problem for certain theater companies that choose this as their next production; fortunately, and with good reason, this never seems to be a problem with CCTC. As Harwich Junior Theater, I was continuously fascinated by not only the group's unique ability to present every show in an incredibly professional manner, allowing children to shine as the true star of their productions, but also by the way in which their shows are presented to an audience. They are just so engaging and wonderfully captivating, I honestly don't know if it's their choice of director, the actors or just everything put together; whatever it is, Mockingbird is yet another beautiful production that has, with much success, made its way to the CCTC stage and into audience's hearts.

For those of you unfamiliar with Lee's novel, To Kill A Mockingbird tells the story of Atticus Finch, a Depression-era lawyer in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, who is chosen to defend Tom Robinson, a Black man accused of beating and raping a local townswoman. Due to his involvement with the case, his name is verbally trod into the dirt by nasty remarks from those in the town who view his defense of a "nigger" to be completely absurd and shameful; Maycomb and the people who inhabit it are very set in their ways, forcing anyone considered an outsider to remain so in the eyes of those whose views and opinions are unable to be altered. Atticus' two children become involved in their father's plight by doing the opposite of what many children would: they show a fervent interest in the Robinson case and perpetually question not only those who deem him guilty just because of who (or what he is), but just the way of the world around them and why things are the way they are. The curiosities of Scout and Jem Finch, along with those of their adventure-learning friend Dill, make them some of the most lovable characters in fiction, and to this end and through their eyes does the true beauty of this story unfold. Attempting to acquit Robinson of all charges, even though such a thing is unprecedented and most likely not about to happen under Atticus' tender hand, Maycomb is rattled by the events of a trial to free a man who must be seen as more than what the color of his skin dictates. It is a powerful story with a message that holds true throughout the decades, and by bringing it to the stage has CCTC performed a pretty miraculous deed for the Cape Cod community.

When I attended the school matinee performance, one of the things that truly amazed me was the cast and its ability to keep a theater-full of high school students quiet for a good two hours. I was amazed at how riveted I was watching the entire courtroom scene and how the cast presented the case with true feeling and emotion, not simply the bouncing back and forth of facts relevant to the trail. The show holds the intensity of a tennis match at match point, each person thinking he or she has won, only to discover that the opponent is perpetually resilient and unfaltering, and this show could not hold the attention of everyone in attendance with such force without the talents of a truly amazing cast. To begin with Nell Daisy Hamilton who plays Scout Finch (otherwise known as Jean-Louise), she is absolutely amazing. Watching her play a character with such an assured air is something that I cannot witness certain adult actors portray. She is really quite the talented actress for someone so young, and I was captivated by her questions, and even more so by the lack of answers that seem to saturate this entire show. James P. Byrne as Atticus Finch really deserves to be commended not only for the sheer amount of material he had to memorize for this part, but because of the kind, compassionate and fatherly way he presented himself that held precedent over that of his more professional, ruthless side he is meant to depict as a lawyer. He is a true depiction of how every human being in this world should be, and just to see him remain so paternal so as to make it his general demeanor, even in such a difficult situation, truly pulled at my heartstrings during this performance.

D. Adam Boaz and Tom Robinson really had the audience convinced that he did nothing wrong; he plays his character with such air of humbleness and humility that anyone in their right mind would not accuse this man of being anything less than a hero for doing what he did in that courtroom. Jacobus Kwaak as Jem (Jeremy) Finch and Macklin Devine as Dill perfectly complete the trio whose bonds become ever closer as the play progresses, making the trial that much more poignant due to the involvement of children who are, again, more mature and rational than their adult counterparts. Although I cannot list everyone involved, the entire cast did a spectacular job and deserves as much praise as I can give.

To Kill a Mockingbird began performances at the Cape Cod Theatre Company (home of the Harwich Community Theatre, located at 105 Division Street in West Harwich) on October 16th and will continue thru November 15th. Ticket prices range from $20-$25, with a special youth rate of $15, and may be purchased either by visiting the box office, by calling (508) 432. 2002 or by taking a look at http://www.hjtcapecod.org/tickets/. The performance schedule is as follows: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:00; the performance to be held on October 31st will begin at 2:00.

Enjoy the show!

Photo Credit: Thea Goldman and J. Hagenbuckle