Orlando Shakespeare Theater to Present TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD in 2015

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF presents To Kill a Mockingbird from January 21 - March 8, 2015. Directed by Thomas Ouellette (Race; Romeo and Juliet; and Pride and Prejudice), Christopher Sergel's adaptation of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize winning novel comes to life on the Margeson Theater stage. Playing in repertory with Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor (February 4 - March 7, 2015), tickets to both productions are available now by calling (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, visiting www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street).

A compelling and timeless story, To Kill a Mockingbird is told through the eyes of six year old Scout. As a tense tug of war between justice and racism heats up, Scout and her family must learn to temper violence and hatred with courage and compassion. Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird continues to inspire hope in the face of inequality.

"To Kill a Mockingbird succeeds in telling an adult story through the eyes of children," said Artistic Director Jim Helsinger. "For most of us who read this book in school, it evokes a sense of nostalgia that will be exciting to revisit on stage."

To Kill a Mockingbird features Warren Kelley (Off-Broadway's A Christmas Carol and Orlando Shakes' A Little Night Music) as Scout's father and the moral lawyer Atticus Finch. Jamil A.C. Mangan (My Soul Is A Witness National Tour) appears as the African American field hand Tom Robinson who is falsely accused of rape by the white family of Bob Ewell, played by Eric D. Hoffmann (West Side Story 50th Anniversary World Tour).

"Set in the depression-era south, Harper Lee's novel shines a light on racism in a powerful way. Following The Best of Enemies, To Kill a Mockingbird is the second offering in our 26th Season to reflect on this country's history of racial injustice during the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act," said Helsinger.

Additional casting includes Jean Tafler (Maudie Atkinson), Chris Mixon (Mr. Gilmer), Chantel Jean-Pierre (Calpurnia), John Ahlin (Heck Tate), Suzanne O'Donnell (Stephanie Crawford), Christopher Niess (Judge Taylor), Michael Morman (Reverend Sykes), Kennedy Joy Foristall (Scout Finch), Walker Russell (Gem Finch), and Josh Lefkowitz (Dill Harris), with remaining cast to be announced at a later date.

The Orlando Shakes artistic team includes Set Designer Bert Scott, Lighting Designer Kevin Griffin, Costume Designer Denise R. Warner, and Sound Designer Britt Sandusky.

To Kill a Mockingbird is presented by Holland & Knight. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of power2give.org/centralflorida, and the collaborative Campaign for the Arts. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.