Photo Flash: First Look at Bay Street Theater's TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Public performances will be presented on Friday's and Saturday's November 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, and Thanksgiving Weekend November 28-29 at 7 pm. Matinees will be held on Saturday's, November 15, 22 and 29 at 2 pm. Groups and weekday show times vary and are open to the public based on availability. Tickets on sale now at the Box Office at 631-725-9500 or online at www.baystreet.org.

The cast is made up of many local actors from Sag Harbor, Hampton Bays and Calverton who have participated in a variety of programs at Bay Street Theater. The cast includes Chloë Dirksen (Narrator), Cooki Winborn (Calpurnia), Jemma Kosanke (Scout), Carolyn Popp (Miss Maudie), Rob DiSario(Heck Tate), William Sturek (Judge Taylor), Jessica Mortellaro(Mayella Ewell), Joe Pallister (Bob Ewell), Hudson Troy (Dill), Thomas Schiavoni (Jem), Scott Eck (Atticus Finch), William Sturek (Mr. Cunningham), and Al Bundonis (Mr. Glimmer). Many of the cast members have participated in Literature Live productions such as The Crucible, and The Diary of Anne Frank, as well as in Bay Street's Mainstage productions including Romance, Men's Lives and Conviction.

Bay Street's newly staged production of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is based on the novel by Harper Lee and was adapted for the stage by CHRISTOPHER SERGEL. Bay Street Theater is also offering a FREE Student Ticket Initiative for all students. Schools have the opportunity to bring students to the theater to get a unique understanding of the subject matter by witnessing the characters from great plays and novels living and breathing and telling their stories right before their eyes.

"Since the start of this program six years ago, we've brought nearly 10,000 students from 51 schools across Long Island," says Tracy Mitchell, Bay Street Theater's Executive Director. "In working to ensure that theater remains accessible, this year we offered a Free Student Ticket Initiative. And we've seen a large jump in the number of students attending because of it. I hope everyone will take advantage of this opportunity."

The novel by Harper Lee published in 1960, was an instant success, winning the Pulitzer Prize. It has become a classic of modern American literature. The characters in the book and the plot are loosely based on Lee's observations of her family and neighbors reactions to an event that took place in 1936 when she was just 10 years old. She grew up in the Southern town of Monroeville, Alabama, where she became close friends with Truman Capote, and spent two and a half years writing the book.

The novel, noted for its poignant exploration of the meaning of courage and compassion, has become a cornerstone of the English Language curriculum as students today still face such issues as bullying and racism. The story takes place in Alabama during the Great Depression, where Jem and Scout Finch's father has been appointed to defend Tom Robinson, a black man framed for a crime he did not commit. Jem and Scout witness their community's tug of war between justice and racism. They ultimately learn not to judge someone until they have gained an understanding of people's motives and behavior.

All Students are FREE with a valid ID and adults $25. To book groups or to buy single tickets, call the Box Office at 631-725-9500 or buy online at www.baystreet.org. The Box Office is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 am to 5 pm.

Photos by Lenny Stucker