BWW Preview: John Sartor stars in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD at Livonia Comm Theatre Nov 17 to 19

John Sartor stars as Atticus Finch in Livonia Community Theatre's upcoming production of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, a play based on the award-winning novel by Harper Lee that explores the timely subject of race relations through the eyes of a young girl growing up in a small southern town in the 1950's. The book has been banned throughout the years in various parts of the country. More recently, it was banned by Mississippi's Biloxi School Board because it 'makes people uncomfortable.' Such a vague excuse is BS by most intellectual standards.

One of the main reasons the story gets banned is because of the use of the word "nigger." Living near Detroit, this writer hears African Americans who use the word nigger all day long, with complete impunity. As an American who believes in equal rules for all people, all people must be allowed the same rights.

The story is controversial. Although meant to show how evil white people are, in the end it shows Atticus as the white savior. Of course, in the sequel Go Set a Watchman, Scout spied Atticus at a KKK meeting.

Star John Sartor said, "Moral lessons that Atticus Finch teaches his children through example, and the inner strength to do what is right, even if it goes against the majority, is highly inspiring. He reminds us of the potential we have as a human race, and that potential is not something we need to reach out for, as it is already woven into our souls."

Director Pat Hutchinson said, "It seems to me that the world turned upside-down in 2017, and I have struggled throughout this year to find a way that I could help to put it right for my grandchildren. How could I contribute? As I prepared to bring an entertaining musical to my stage, someone mentioned TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD to me, and I saw a light. While my children and former students were online and at events spreading brilliant thoughts, I found my own voice! Luckily for me some very talented actors felt the same way. How could a simple person make a difference? Atticus Finch, a quiet lawyer from a small town showed us the way as he defended an innocent man. His story has endured."

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is considered one of the greatest films ever made. The dramatic version is also highly respected.

Parents are urged to make their own decision.

Livonia Community Theatre presents To Kill a Mockingbird
November 17-19
7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
27475 Five Mile Road (inside St. Paul's Presbyterian Church) Livonia MI 48154

Cast:

Jean Louise Finch: Rebecca Borsodi, Jema McCardell (part is double cast)

Scout: Abby Borsodi, Fiona McCardell (part is double cast)
Jem: Matt Raybaud
Atticus: John Sartor
Calpurnia: Hassae Maria
Maudie Atkinson: Susan Krekeler
Stephanie Crawford: Lonnie Curri
Mrs. Dubose: Anna Cassar
Dill: Vincenzo Cocciolone
Heck Tate: Michael Kain
Judge Taylor: Keith Schooley
Mayella Ewell: Sara Borsodi
Bob Ewell: John Boufford
Walter Cunningham: Kirk Krekeler
Mr. Gilmer: Kirk Krekeler
Tom Robinson: Tony Parsons
Helen Robinson: Allison Range

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