Harper Lee's Classic Novel TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Comes to Life at Circle Theatre

Circle Theatre, Grand Rapids' go-to destination for exceptional theatrical arts in an intimate setting, will continue their 65th Main Stage season with a production of To Kill A Mockingbird starting on Thursday, August 10 at 7:30 p.m. inside the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Aquinas College.

Under the direction of Penelope Notter, the 2017 Audience Choice Play To Kill A Mockingbird tells a story about the power of childhood innocence, morality and love. It's 1935, and racial tensions are high in Maycomb, Alabama. Nonetheless, young Scout, as she is fondly called, manages to live a rather carefree, privileged existence, insulated from issues of race. All that changes when Scout watches her father, Atticus Finch, defend an innocent man, Tom Robinson, against a potential death sentence, which looms threateningly against him because of prejudice due to race. Scout begins to realize that just because society portrays something as being true doesn't mean that it actually is fact. With the the help of Atticus, and her older brother Jem, Scout learns that "growing up" often means doing what is right, even when it comes at great cost.

"To Kill A Mockingbird is truly an American classic and I highly suggest reading the book or knowing the story before seeing the show," says G.M. "Bud" Thompson, who plays Judge Taylor in To Kill A Mockingbird. " It's not only beautifully written and adapted to stage, but it's still just as an important story now as when it was written."

Audience members looking to delve even further into the timely themes seen in To Kill A Mockingbird can join a post-show talkback on August 18. Those in attendance are encouraged to have discussions with community leaders exploring the themes and content of To Kill A Mockingbird, like race, justice and community. Not attending the show this night? Bring your ticket stub from a former performance of the show or proof of purchase of an upcoming performance of To Kill A Mockingbird to attend the discussion.

Cast members include: Joe Carmolli (Atticus Finch), Mary Close (Mrs. Dubose), Will Gearring (Tom Robinson), Stephen Anthony Grey (Boo Radley), Patrick Hendren (Mr. Gilmer), Ashley Isenhoff (Jean Louise Finch a.k.a. Scout) Blake Isenhoff (Walter Cunningham), Bob Karel (Link Deas), Rebekah Karel (Mayella Ewell), Lisa Knight (Calpurnia), Lexee Longwell (Stephanie Crawford), GReg Rogers (Heck Tate), Drake Selleck (Charles Baker Harris a.k.a. Dill) Jason Stamp (Bob Ewell), Eddie L. Stephens Jr. (Reverend Sykes), Alex Sullivan (Jeremy Finch a.k.a. Jem) Eva Switek (Maudie Atkinson), G.M. "Bud" Thompson (Judge Taylor) and Alex Wahlfeldt (Clerk and others).

Circle Theatre audience members can take advantage of the Lobby Bar on select nights throughout the summer, including the August 11th performance of To Kill A Mockingbird. Michigan craft beer and wine are available starting at 7:00 p.m.; beverages can be enjoyed inside the theatre on those evenings.

A big thank you to Production Sponsor for To Kill A Mockingbird, Warner Norcross & Judd LLP.

2017 celebrates Circle's 65th year of producing plays and musicals for West Michigan audiences. Remaining upcoming Main Stage productions this season feature original new musical fresh off of Broadway It Shoulda Been You. Circle's unique and diverse Summer Concert Series performances include Ladies Night: The Music of Legendary Divas, California Dreamin': Cool Cali Vibes Past & Present, Go Your Own Way: The Music of Fleetwood Mac and Uptown Funk: The Best of the Funkiest. Past Main Stage performances this season include musical The Addams Family, nostalgic play Brighton Beach Memoirs, Magic Circle family production The Last of the Dragons, and classic musical A Chorus Line. All performances will be held at Circle Theatre's home, the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Aquinas College.

Other To Kill A Mockingbird shows will run August 11 & 12, 16-19, 23-26 at 7:30 p.m. and August 20 at 5 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the box office at 616-456-6656 or visit Circle's website www.circletheatre.org.

For 65 years and counting, Circle Theatre has enriched, entertained and educated the community through exceptional theatrical arts in an intimate setting. Located in the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Aquinas College, Circle Theatre presents innovative and entertaining theatre while fostering an enthusiastic and hard working corp of individuals who serve as staff, volunteers and board members. Through the Main Stage season, unique Summer Concert Series and Magic Circle family productions, Circle Theatre engages close to 30,000 people each season. Circle Theatre also values and creates effective collaborations with various community organizations in and around Grand Rapids.

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