To Kill a Mockingbird
by Lee Colee Studios
Nov. 21 - Dec. 06, 2014
The stage production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Harper Lee, "To Kill A Mockingbird," will be presented this November on the theatre stage of the Price Center in San Marcos. Required reading in English Lit classes across the country, this American classic was also turned into a major motion picture in 1964, starring Oscar-winning Gregory Peck in the role of Atticus Finch.
Author Harper Lee uses memorable characters to explore civil rights and racism in the segregated South during the Great Depression in the 1930s. You learn about Atticus Finch, a widowed father of two young children and an attorney who hopelessly strives to prove the innocence of a black man unjustly accused of rape; and about Boo Radley, a mysterious neighbor who in the end becomes less of a mystery and more of a hero to the Finch family. The play's title refers to a local belief, introduced early in the play and referred to again later, that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. The author subtly implies that the townspeople are responsible for killing one of the main characters and the murder was not only unjust and immoral, but also sinful.
According to Lee Colée, director and producer of the play, "The stage version of the novel has never been performed in Hays County." Colée has produced and directed many plays, musicals and movies in Wimberley and San Marcos over a number of years. She is a highly recognized contributor to the entertainment landscape of the community - through teaching, directing, performing and producing.
It takes time to produce a classic play and uphold the established reputation and integrity of the novel. The preproduction planning began in October of last year. A massive talent search began for the children to play several of the principal roles. The entire play is seen through the eyes of Scout Finch (played by Vivi Hirschfield). She is Atticus' 6-year-old daughter who tries to make sense of the racial tension and violence in her little town one summer. Her older brother, Jem (played by Ryan Odom), and the neighbor boy, Dill (who is modeled after a very young Truman Capote who grew up with Harper Lee and is played by Luke Pool), also contribute important depth and poignancy to the story. The three children were selected after numerous and meticulous auditions. Colee’ states, “These young actors have a lot of responsibility on their small shoulders and they're carrying it superbly."
Astonishingly, the easiest role to cast was Atticus Finch. According to Colée, “I thought I would really be challenged in finding the perfect actor but a highly experienced local actor from Driftwood, Bob Elliott, walked in the first day and nailed it. In total, there are 28 actors and supporting actors in this production - some young, some not so young and some not young at all.
To Kill a Mockingbird
by Harper Lee, adapted by Christopher Segel
Lee Colee Studios
"To Kill a Mockingbird" will be presented on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30, November 21 through December 6 by Black Diamond Cabaret Theatre on the Price Center stage, 222 West San Antonio, Downtown San Marcos. Because of limited seating, getting tickets early is recommended by calling 512 847 7934 or online at www.leecoleestudios.com.
