'Mockingbird's' Message Still Powerful

By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life

Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" endures as one of the most influential and important books in American literature. The touring play, based on the book, came to the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts Tuesday and replicated its powerful message on stage.

Led by seasoned actor Richard Thomas, playing small-town lawyer Atticus Finch, along with a stellar supporting cast, it brought to life Lee's story of racial injustice in Depression-era America in a compelling production that evoked the pathos, humor and tragedy of the original.

The performance got an enthusiastic reception from a full house, as Scout (the daughter of Atticus), her brother, Jem, and their friend, Dill, narrated the events surrounding the trial of a black man accused of rape. Thomas is masterful in the role of Atticus, playing the part with understated wisdom and humor.

The play's portrait of racism in the Deep South, with its dialogue of racial epitaths, is sometimes hard to watch, but at the same time, offers inspiration that we can overcome our prejuices and make our world a better place.

"To Kill a Mockingbird" is playing at the Kravis Center through Jan. 7 as part of the 2023-2024 Kravis on Broadway subscription season. For tickets, phone 561-832-7469 Monday – Friday between 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.  or visit kravis.org for more information. 

Richard Thomas as Atticus Finch (Kravis Center)