LANSING - “To Kill a Mockingbird” reveals the racial tensions of life in a small town in the Deep South in the 1930s.
The show opened Thursday at Boarshead Theater, 425 S. Grand Ave. in Lansing.
Based on the novel by Harper Lee, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a story of a white lawyer, Atticus Finch, who defends a black man, Tom Robinson, in a rape trial. The play was adapted by Christopher Sergel.
Atticus has the impossible task of convincing a white jury in the prejudiced town that Tom is innocent. The play includes many subplots centered around Atticus’ children, Scout and Jem.
The set gives the atmosphere of a small town where not much happens. With the fronts of four quaint homes, complete with rosebushes, a porch swing and working porch lights, it is obvious that gossip is the main form of entertainment for the townspeople.
The play opens with Carmen Decker as Maudi, an older woman who seems to know what is going on in town but is wise enough to know when not to say anything. Maudi narrates the play, helping the audience understand scene changes and introducing characters.
Decker did an outstanding job as Maudi. She brought a bit of comedy into what could have been a very serious play. As townspeople take sides over the trial, Maudi’s somewhat snide remarks left the audience chuckling, but she still managed to convey her message of anti-racism.
Scout, a young girl, does not understand why people are mad at her father and why they don’t like black people. Jem, her older brother, feels the same way but is trying to overcome being ashamed of his father.
Kyle McGrath, who plays Jem, shows the torn emotions of a young boy who wants to defend his father, but at the same time is embarrassed by his father’s old age and job as a lawyer.
As Atticus, Lawrence Sharp is convincing as a white lawyer who doesn’t believe the racist court system is right. He portrays a father who wants what’s best for his children, but he doesn’t want to hide them from the harsh realities of the world they are living in. Sharp treats the children as equals, bringing them to the trial and giving them responsibility.
For comic relief, Laura Collins plays Calpurnia, the Finches’ black maid. Collins is consistent as a Southern maid in the ’30s, fitting the mold in her language and movement.
Lael Bialek’s Scout could use some maturing. The character was overly whiny and many of her lines were overacted.
One of the best scenes in the play is the courtroom scene, in which the lawyers and the judge look to the audience as the jury. Even the bailiff reaches into the audience to get the verdict. This scene brings the audience deeper into the play, making them feel like a part of it.
The characters of “To Kill a Mockingbird” take the audience into another time. It not only entertains but teaches a classic lesson that can’t be learned in a classroom.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” runs through Oct. 22. For more information, call 484-7805.
