By Misty DUPLESSIS

Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mocking Bird has been a classic read in American literature since its debut in 1960. Over the years many theaters have celebrated the story by making the play a part of its stage and Glendale Centre Theatre is no exception.

Christopher Sergel stage adaptation made its 2011 debut at the center staged theater on Feb. 3 and is scheduled to run on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings through March 12 with select Sunday matinees.

The story takes place during the 1930s depression and follows the lives of residents in the small town of Maycomb, Ala. during a time when social inequalities and segregation was a part of life.

Characters in the play demonstrate issues of morality, innocence, racism and gender roles as they make their way through the story.

Director Diedra Celeste Miranda should be exceptionally proud of the way the cast was able to draw the audience into their world.

Jem, played by Liam Johnson, Scout, played by Dunsmore student Camille Gibney and Dill played by fellow La Crescentan Carter Thomas had the audience laughing when they revealed their honest innocence and allowed the crowd to feel
as much a part of Maycomb County as the children in the story.

Tom Robinson played by Deosick Burney (understudy Jacxon L. Ryan) had the room in tears with his portrayal of a man wrongfully accused of an unspeakable crime in a time when evidence was irrelevant.

The stage props were well laid out and actors constant moving about the arena and aisles allowed the playgoers
to feel connected to the production.

At the end of the show the cast gathered in the lobby where they greeted and interacted with patrons, as well as answered questions and thanked them for being a part of the program.

To Kill A Mockingbird continues through March 12
at the Glendale Centre
Theatre, 324 N. Orange St. in Glendale. For ticket information call (818) 244-8481 or visit www.glendalecentretheatre.com.

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