Lebanon Community Theatre to Present Literary Classic

Lebanon Community Theatre will continue its 2017 season with the stage adaptation of an American literary classic, To Kill a Mockingbird, adapted by Christopher Sergel from Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Directed by Heidi Freeland-Trail, performances are scheduled for March 2-5 and March 9-12 at the theatre on Maple Street and Theatre Drive in Lebanon. Assisting Freeland-Trail with the production is assistant director Olajiwon McCadney.

In Harper Lee's story, the long-settled pattern of division between the races and inherent racism is at the forefront of the story, much like it is in America's story today. Director Heidi Freeland-Trail said, "This story is more poignant than ever in 2017. The issues are relevant and need to be discussed- racism, cultural differences, privilege- it's all there in this story." To Kill a Mockingbird ends with hope, as Scout discovers that not all adults are the same and that some, fighting in quiet stillness, yearn to make the world a better place for all.

Published in 1960, the international best-selling novel tells the story of Atticus Finch, a small-town attorney whose atypical views and quiet courage serve as a beacon of social justice in the segregated, Depression-era South. Atticus Finch is played by Lebanon Community Theatre veteran and local attorney, Jack Ferry. Finch is seen through the eyes of his young daughter, Scout, played by Samantha A. Koegler of Hershey. Lee's novel was adapted into an Academy Award-winning movie, starring Gregory Peck, in 1962.

Cast members include Samuel J. Pygatt of Philadelphia as Tom Robinson, Lebanon resident Deborah J. Joyner as Calpurnia, Daniel Walmer as Boo Radley and the role of Jem will be playEd Jonestown Elementary School fifth grader, Campbell Bomberger. Local veteran performer Larry Sheaf plays Heck Tate and well-known area actor, Eddie Costik makes his LCT debut in the role of Judge Taylor. Rounding out the cast are Bryce Bomberger, Ethan Cooper, Mia Cooper, Maddy Lenhart, Olajiwon McCadney, Sean McCurdy, Megan Miller, Ron Miller, Steven Miller, Christine Nickel, Jeff Peyton, Ed Reazer, Sue Steffy and Jane Zendarski.

To Kill a Mockingbird is sponsored by the Lebanon County Bar Association. Tickets are available online at www.lebanoncommunitytheatre.org. Tickets may also be purchased by calling the Lebanon Community Theatre at 717-833-4LCT.