A TIME TO KILL Opens at Murfreesboro's CFTA for 3/24-4/2 Run

Murfreesboro's Center for the Arts presents the regional premiere of A Time to Kill, based on the bestselling novel by John Grisham and the 1996 film starring Matthew McConaughey and Samuel L. Jackson, opening Friday night, March 24 and running through April 2.

Focusing on race relations in the South, the show's plot follows an African American father who takes vengeance on the men who committed an atrocious crime against his nine-year-old daughter. Race, crime, family and small town America are scrutinized in a trial that questions whether a person ever has the right to take justice into their own hands.

Grisham's book was adapted for the stage by Rupert Holmes.

"From Screen to Stage" is the theme of the Center's 2017 season, and executive director Patience Long is thrilled to be one of the first companies to bring this powerful drama to the stage, following its Broadway run. "A Time to Kill has enthralled readers for 25 years. I am so proud to be presenting this powerful play to our audiences. The subject matter is very timely and to be chosen to produce the regional premiere of it is an honor."

"A Time to Kill has always been one of my favorite books, so I'm honored to direct this show," says director George W. Manus Jr. "This cast has loved diving into such an intense play and working on the performances that this piece demands. I'm eager for our audiences to experience it."

In the lead role of Jake Brigance is James David West, who is joined by Jimmy Sanford as Carl Lee Hailey. Jenni Lee Merritt appears as Ellen Roark who assists Jake with his defense. Prosecutor Rufus R. Buckley is portrayed by Zac Collins, and Bill Stewart returns to the Center's stage as Lucien Wilbanks, Brigance's mentor.

Tickets can be purchased on the Center's website at www.boroarts.org; calling (615) 904- 2787; or stopping by the Center's box office at 110 W. College St. in downtown Murfreesboro. Prices are $15 for adults; $13 for seniors, students and military, $11.00 for children. Group tickets are available. Performances are at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings and 2:00 pm on Sunday afternoons.

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