We were invited* to come see Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird last night, part of the Broadway at the Eccles 2022-2023 lineup. While I have, of course, heard of the classic story, I’d never actually read it, seen the play, or watched the movie. I was excited to see what it was all about. This adaptation of To Kill A Mockingbird graced stages on Broadway late 2018 and has since launched a national tour, which we were fortunate to find making a quick landing in Salt Lake City.

I love musicals so much, but it is always nice to keep things interesting and throw in plays now and then. It’s easy to forget how live acting on stage can transport you to another realm. Such was the case last night. We found ourselves looking in on Maycomb, Alabama circa 1934. The tensions are high as Scout and Jem Finch, along with their friend Dill Harris, tell us the story of how Tom Robinson was accused of a hideous crime and how a good and honest man, Atticus Finch, defends him.

I was enthralled with this story, as were all the members of the audience, captivated by the excellent acting skills of the performers. I want to single out some of the actors, but truth be told, they were all absolutely incredible. Atticus Finch, played by veteran actor Richard Thomas, was a treat to watch. His performance appeared effortless, so natural. Melanie Moore was remarkable as Scout Finch, as was Justin Mark as Jem Finch. There is a treasure trove of talent amongst the cast. Look closely and you will see many familiar faces. You might be surprised to learn that Mary Badham, the Oscar-nominated 10 year old chosen for the role of “Scout” in the feature film To Kill A Mockingbird with Gregory Peck, is Mrs. Henry Dubose!

I was surprised to find in such a heart-wrenching story, there were many comedic moments. They were well-placed in the story to break tension and invoke emotions. Now, while I mentioned earlier that I hadn’t seen the play or read the book before, I was with those who had. Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of the story is unlike the tale you are likely to have known. It challenges and works with some components of the original book and changes the protagonist in the play. They all agreed the changes were positive and added to the story.

The drama, of course, was very well written and quick moving. The sets were very interesting and seamlessly transitioned, bringing us in and out of the courthouse, Atticus Finch’s country home, and the mysterious property of Boo Radley. This play is so thought-provoking and full of depth. It should be something everyone takes the time to see and learn from. It was an incredible production that I highly recommend.

A limited run of performances will happen at the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater September 6th-11th. You can pick up your own tickets by visiting their site. You will not want to miss out on this opportunity to see such a spectacular show.

Be sure to check out all the other upcoming shows and learn about season tickets. Now is a great time to look ahead, grab tickets for the holidays and introduce your family to the theatre. There are great shows coming up in the 2022-2023 Season!

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All rise for Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork. The New York TimesCritic’s Pick TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRDis “the most successful American play in Broadway history.” (60 Minutes). Rolling Stone gives it 5 stars, calling it “an emotionally shattering landmark production of an American classic,” and New York Magazine calls it “a real phenomenon. Majestic and incandescent, it’s filled with breath and nuance and soul.” With direction by Tony Award® winner Bartlett Sher, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD–“the greatest novel of all time” (Chicago Tribune) –has quickly become “one of the greatest plays in history” (NPR)

Zions Bank/Broadway at the Eccles
presents
To Kill A Mockingbird
September 6th – 11th, 2022
Delta Hall at the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater
Salt Lake City, Utah

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are my own*}