American classic comes to VPA stage Friday

WASILLA — "He gave us two soap dolls, a broken watch and chain, a pair of good-luck pennies, and our lives."

Those haunting words, as spoken by a young child, have been forever etched in our minds, thanks to Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird." It continues to enthrall and stir readers.

And now, this classic American novel has been adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel. Presented by Valley Performing Arts, Key Bank and Tesoro Alaska, in association with Professional Colorgraphics, Lucas Chiropractic and Q99.7, "To Kill a Mockingbird" opens April 27 and runs for four weekends, through May 20, at Machetanz Theatre in Wasilla.

Weekend performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., except the final weekend, when only Saturday and Sunday shows are being presented.

Set in Maycomb County, Ala., in 1935, "To Kill a Mockingbird" concerns a young girl who comes of age during a time when all forms of racial bigotry and untoward prejudice were being committed against innocent victims. Jean Louis Finch, known to all as Scout, lived in a seemingly serene Southern town with her brother, Jem, and her father, Atticus. Then there was the summer when Dill joined them.

Together, the three set out for fun and adventure. It began and ended with Boo Radley. In between, there was Tom Robinson, on trial for his life for a crime he didn't commit; Mrs. Dubose, a very bitter old lady who found peace and courage in the sweet sounds of a young girl; and Bob Ewell, whose unrelenting hatred helped several people summon uncommon valor and strength.

And through it all was Atticus Finch, a country lawyer whose patience, generosity and wisdom helped shape and guide his children into a better world filled with hope, peace and charity.

Under the expert direction of Larry Bottjen, this finely honed and fragile tale comes to enchanting life on the Machetanz stage.

Bottjen returns to the director's seat after a brief hiatus, having directed the very successful productions of "Nunsense I and II."

As is always the case in community productions, the cast is filled with an equal number of seasoned veterans and first-timers.

Heading up the cast is longtime VPA veteran Jeff Babcock. He returns to the stage this time as Atticus Finch. Some of his most recent performances include appearances as Clarence in ACT's "It's a Wonderful Life," and Henry Bell in VPA's productions of "The Revengers' Comedies, Parts I and II."

Joining the Finch family is another VPA veteran. Joe Dougherty, who was last seen as Willie in "The Gifts of the Magi," steps in as older brother Jem. Dougherty lists his credits as far back as "Gypsy."

Heading up the case in the important role of Scout is fresh-faced Cori Schleich. Another VPA newcomer, playing the roll of Dill, is first-timer Jacob Simon.

Other newcomers to VPA include Larry Burton as Heck Tate, Craig Sorrie as Walter Cunningham, Karl Schleich as Mr. Gilmer, Collene Crinklaw as Mayella Ewell, Kai West as Calpurnia, Walt Davis as Boo Radley, Walter Gearring as Reverend Sykes, Marjorie Gearring as congregation member and Aundra Jackson as Tom Robinson.

VPA veterans include Tom Jacobs as the mean-spirited and bigoted Bob Ewell, KerryAnn Byrd as Miss Stephanie, Rachel Underwood as Miss Maude, Glenn Massay as Judge Taylor and Lynne Lewis as Mrs. Dubose.

Maycomb County comes to genteel and sweltering life in the hands of its creative artists. An elaborate town has been fabricated by David Putnam and painted by Constance Lutz. The sizzling summer sun and simmering moonlit nights have been recreated by light man Steve Cuthbert. Costumes have been corralled by Dace Boyd.

John Simon has brought the sounds of summer to vivid life. All the goings-on have been presided over under the watchful eye of stage manager Deana Clifton.

Tickets to "To Kill a Mockingbird" are $13.50 for adults and $11 for youth and seniors. They are available at all CARRS TIX locations or by calling 1-800-478-7328. Student rush tickets are $6.75, available on all regularly scheduled performances.

In order to allow students a chance to see the remarkable American classic, VPA is offering general admission student tickets for $5 on Thursday evenings. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

A signed performance for the deaf will be held on May 13 at 2 p.m.