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Stage

Asolo joins those flocking to 'Mockingbird'

With author Harper Lee in the spotlight, the stage version of the beloved novel is as timely as ever.

By TOM VALEO
Published February 23, 2006

SARASOTA

All of a sudden Harper Lee, who has shunned publicity ever since she published To Kill a Mockingbird in 1960, can't seem to get out of the spotlight.

A childhood friend of Truman Capote, Lee (played by Catherine Keener) is featured prominently in the Oscar-nominated film Capote.

In the fall, she will be portrayed by Sandra Bullock in Infamous, another film about Capote's struggle to write his most famous book, In Cold Blood.

A biography of Lee is scheduled to be published in May.

And, most amazing of all, the famously reclusive author recently turned up at an awards ceremony and granted a brief interview to the New York Times.

In the midst of this attention, the Asolo Theatre Company will open the stage adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird on Friday.

Asolo producing director Howard Millman insists his decision to schedule Mockingbird now is "absolutely coincidental."

He said he has wanted to direct the play simply because he admires it.

Besides, with its satisfying denunciation of racial prejudice and its straightforward homage to integrity, Mockingbird serves as solid family fare - a play "that parents can bring their children to," Millman said.

He has long wanted to cast Stephen Johnson, a veteran member of the company, as Atticus Finch.

"As far as I'm concerned, Steve was born to play that role," Millman said. "He's Atticus - what else can I say?"

And since Millman is retiring at the end of the season, this was his last chance to direct the actor in the role.

Even without the current buzz about Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird is well known. The book has sold more than 10-million copies and been read by generations of schoolchildren.

The film version, starring Gregory Peck, won the Academy Award and has been ranked 34th on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 Greatest American Films.

The publicity focused on the author is likely to attract more people to the play's message, which Millman respects.

"I think the play is about personal integrity - being honest and true to yourself, and to everyone you deal with," he said. "There's a wonderful line in the play in which Atticus says, 'I can't be one way in town and another way at home - my children won't respect me.' I think in today's times we have lost sight of that word, integrity."

Preview

The Asolo Theatre Company production of To Kill a Mockingbird opens Friday and runs through May 6 in the Harold E. and Esther M. Mertz Theatre at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $19-$50. A preview ($28) is at 8 tonight. (941) 351-8000 or www.asolo.org.

[Last modified February 23, 2006, 10:01:32]