Once again Modern Classics Theatre Company takes on a challenging piece of work and knocks it out of the park. This weekend I was treated to a timeless classic at the BAACA Arts Center in Lindenhurst which put on Harper Lee’s classic To Kill A Mockingbird under the direction of Catherine Clyne. Clyne does a wonderful job of maximizing the space for a technically difficult play to stage. Upon entering the theater I was immediately transported back to 1935 Maycomb, Alabama including a porch swing, screen door and plenty of southern drawl. The scenes flow freely to the audience as angles and sightlines never feel blocked or uneven.
I was curious to see how Clyne would handle the vital narration of the play. My curiosity was quickly put to ease as we were introduced to young Jean Louise Finch a.k.a. Scout (Emily Vaeth) then adult Jean Louise (Lesley Wade). Lesley does an absolute heartwarming performance of relaying the story to the audience in a way that can’t help but make you wonder if we could all look back at our younger selves in real time. Vaeth captures the many layers of Scout’s innocence and precocious nature all with a sense of comic relief to break up moments of tension including the pivotal jail house scene.
The chemistry between Scout and Jem (Thaddeus C. Plezia) was believable and natural. It actually made me think of my sibling relationships where fighting and love happened simultaneously.
Can we now take a moment to shout out the performance of Calpurnia played by Reggie Street. Street nails the toughness of Calpurnia while being the engine that navigates the family unit. The highly anticipated casting decision of Atticus was spot on with the choice of Thomas O’Donoghue who delivers a truly inspiring performance. Thomas blends the traits we have all come to love and expect out of Atticus. His voice of reason, compassion and sternness when warranted all with a level of respect especially to those who most of us would not give the time of day. Thomas embodies the moral compass needed to pull off this performance inspiring us to be a better friend, neighbor and human being.
Several other performances need recognition including Mayella Ewell (Anna Tatishvili) who raised the stakes of the entire play with her performance on the witness stand. Steven Clark’s portrayal of the accused Tom Robinson was palpable. You could hear a pin drop during his testimony. This was a complete cast and crew effort to make this play a success from Maudie Atkinson (Kelly K. Ronayne) to Mrs. Dubose (Staci Rosenberg Simons) to the friendship of Dill (Stephanie Curley). I would like to compliment the amazing set and costume design that captured this period piece so well. Once again bravo and thank you for telling this story in a way that hits you right in the heart and leaves you pausing the next time you are quick to judge before understanding another’s point of view. Performances run through November 22.
