Profound Perfomances at Orcas Center

The American classic "To Kill a Mockingbird" is at Orcas Center.

A review by Lin McNulty

The Orcas Center was set ablaze tonight with the stage presentation of Harper Lee’s solitary novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

The story itself is painful: A black man in depression-era Maycomb, Alabama is wrongfully accused of the rape of a white woman. The saga unfolds through the eyes and memory of a young white girl, Scout, whose father, Atticus Finch, has chosen, despite the racism rampant throughout the community, to represent the accused Tom Robinson in a trial wherein the outcome seems predetermined in date, time, and prejudice.

Even before the performance begins, the audience is brought into the mindset of the time through an onstage slide show of period pictures from the Smithsonian, accompanied by early Negro spirituals. It is impossible not to be touched by the images of actual signs indicating “Colored Only, ” and the plaintive sounds of the music.

The role of the young Scout is played by Paris Wilson. Her extensive line load seems to be mere child’s play and she didn’t miss a beat. She was exquisitely adept throughout the evening.

Beth Baker is the grown-up Scout reflecting back on this defining moment in her childhood. She meets the challenge with professionalism and power.

Atticus Finch, played by Thomas Fiscus (who is an attorney in his offstage life), is perfectly suited to the role, not only in demeanor, but is also convincingly at-home as he makes his impassioned plea to the jury.

Christian Bailey as Scout’s brother Jem, and Matthew Laslo-White as their friend Dill are both entertaining in their roles.

Mayella Ewell, the supposed victim of the crime, is meticulously channeled through the talents of Dove Dingman.

Freddy Hinkle has played a number of bad guys on our island stages; he has never played a more despicable role more aptly than as Mayella’s father, Bob Ewell.

Lopez Islander Warren Hero portrays the accused Tom Robinson with a heart-rending sincerity that belies his first-time on stage.

I couldn’t speak after the curtain call. I wanted to come home and drink water, lots of water, to wash away the ugliness of the story. I also couldn’t wait to get to my keyboard to share the powerful and profound performances I had just witnessed. I can only provide a representation, however; I can only try to relate what I saw and felt. The only way to experience the depth of this drama is to see, hear, and feel it for yourself.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” is directed by Robert Hall and continues with three more performances—tomorrow night, February 11, and next weekend, February 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, $11 (students), with $2 off for Orcas Center members.