CCCT Impressive production of 

Harper Lee's Classic 

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD - 

Is a holiday keeper.

Fifty four years ago Harper Lee wrote the American classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, To Kill A Mocking Bird. The award winning Contra Costa Civic Theatre celebrates this iconic story with a captivating production of Christopher Sergel’s stage adaptation.

With a talented ensemble of excellent local actors, under the direction of David Bogdonoff, brings this story to life for both newcomers and fans. The iconic characters have passed to many readers and movie fans through the American landscape that has kept this story relevant with the issues of rape and racism in Depression Era Alabama, as well as the emotional coming of age of its young characters. If you remember them from the book or the film, you have impressions of who they are. They are a part of our psyche. CCCT’s gifted cast brings them to the El Cerrito stage and makes the story as fresh and vital as it was when first published.

Act one plants the seeds of the drama, act two delivers the critical moments an emotional epiphanies of the classic story played out in a courtroom and in the yard of Lawyer Finch’s home.  

The cast includes three young actors Etta Washburn, Sal Harkins as the Finch kids and the talented Tommy Huebner as Dill. Former CCCT Artistic Director Mark Manske is excellent as Atticus Finch.

The younger actors have to carry this production and Harkins as Jem Finch is impressive.

Molly Daniels delivers the narrative of Jean Louise Finch as engaging and interesting from the very beginning. Mike Reynolds delivers a powerful monologue as Sheriff Heck Tate. This is a gifted cast, Tim Holt Jones is well cast as Bob Ewell the racist monster. CC Sheldon transcends the preconceived notion of Mayella Ewell that is set in our minds from the classic 1962 film.

No matter how many times you read the book or watch the film, the verdict of the story’s trial is a sucker punch to the soul. Harper Lee’s masterpiece on stage is well crafted dramatic honesty.

I have to mention the impressive subtle set by the award winning Kuo-Hao Lo, and the on point costumes by the talented Lisa Danz.

The CCCT had a busy November taking three main stage awards at the 1st annual TBA’ Awards celebration at ACT - they took an award for best local play August: Osage County including Best set and Direction and Max Minton for best Actor in a play.

Mockingbird Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 14. The matinee performances on Nov. 23 and Dec. 7 will feature a discussion with the director and cast. Tickets and details: www.ccct.org.

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