My review of the show on tour.
It’s been a few years since I read the novel, but I remember feeling extensively moved by the experience of absorbing the story of Atticus Finch and his family. Of course, white people love this story, right? It makes some of us out to be heroes.
This is one of those books that I should have read in school, but it was not included in my curriculum. This is a novel I didn’t read until I was an adult.
On tour off-Broadway, the play is making its way around the United States.
This adaptation of Harper Lee’s novel to a play was written by Aaron Sorkin, who you may remember as a writer and producer of The West Wing. I was a big fan of this show, so it’s no surprise to me that I loved seeing his work again.
My best friend invited me to see the show in Richmond, and I was thrilled to take her up on her invite. Playing in the beautiful Altria Theater, the experience brought me back to the theaters in London.
Atticus Finch was played by Richard Thomas, well known for his portrayal of John Boy on The Waltons. He was excellent in his role. His genteel manner reminded me of my Uncle Garland, an always polite and respectful Southern gentleman who takes pride in doing the right thing. Thomas was supported by a talented cast of equally fantastic actors.
One of the biggest themes of the show was Atticus Finch’s magnanimous display of empathy toward the plight of the bigots in his town. He taught his children that these folks think the Civil War was yesterday. So, they are essentially blaming their problems and lack of success on the freedom of Blacks. White supremacists simply because they are traumatized and don’t know any better. I can’t say that I possess the same capacity for empathy as Atticus does, although it is admirable.
Ironically, while a theater packed to capacity was watching this play, a Trump rally was also underway in downtown Richmond. Supporters of white supremacy were just down the street from those of us learning lessons in how to fight it and produce change. The juxtaposition of points of view is not lost on me.
These attitudes, the hatred, and bigotry that we thought had long been buried in the past, are unfortunately as alive and well today as they were in the 1930s where the story took place. Have we not learned anything from our history?
This play brought on so many feelings for me. There were parts where I laughed, parts that made me think deeper into my thoughts, and parts that moved me to tears. An emotional roller coaster that was worth the ride. There were moments when I was completely lost in the story. Seeing a work of art so engaging is rare for me.
If you can see the show when it travels to your town, I highly encourage you to do so. And prepare to be moved.
___________
Lead photo shows my playbill against the backdrop of the stage at the Altria. Photo by author.
Have you read the novel or seen the movie? Were you as transformed by the story as I was? Have you seen this adaptation? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
As always, I hope you all are safe and healthy.
Anne the Vegan 