"To Kill

a Mockingbird" is one of the most beloved books of all time. Perhaps

that is why performances of it at Newnan Community Theatre are already

selling out and the curtain has yet to rise.

"To Kill

a Mockingbird" is set in a small town in Alabama in 1935. Local attorney

Atticus Finch defends Tom Robinson, a black man who stands accused of

raping a young white woman. Finch's children, Scout and Jem, grow up real

fast that summer as the town is divided as to whether Robinson is guilty

or not. Not only is the book wildly popular but the film starring Gregory

Peck is considered one of the best films ever made.

Director Michael

McClendon is such a fan of the book that after casting the show he made

all of the cast take time to read the book before rehearsals began.

"We used

the book as a reference point and created the characters from the character

descriptions in the book" said McClendon. "I wanted the actors

to understand their motivations and have a clearly defined character during

the trial scene. Reading the book has given the cast a foundation that

truly makes this production remarkable."

The trial scene

is huge in "To Kill a Mockingbird" and McClendon keeps it that

way with the entire cast, close to 40 people, in the courtroom, making

it appear as though the entire town has come out for the trial. Audiences

are a part of the scene as well as they are addressed by Finch and the

prosecutor as the jury. In another unusual twist, the intermission will

be introduced as a recess by the judge. Some characters will exit the

stage, while others will remain in the courtroom during the break.

Though McClendon

started one step ahead because of having such amazing material to work

with, the production is furthered even more by having what he considers

to be "one of the most incredible casts he has ever worked with."

Several actors have worked with him before, including Peachtree City residents

Steve Martin and Leisa Davis, who play Atticus and Miss Maudie, respectively

and Samuel Knight, who wowed local audiences last year in Fayette Players

and Community Theatre's production of "The Boys Next Door,"

as Tom Robinson. Another actor familiar with McClendon, Bill Bouris, plays

the father of the alleged victim. Bouris was recently seen in the Actor's

Express production of "Trouble in Mind."

While there

are many experienced veterans in "To Kill a Mockingbird," McClendon

feels it is likely the rookies that will blow audiences away, especially

10-year-old Lindsay Graner who plays Scout. "The cast is just in

awe of her," said McClendon. "This is her first major role and

she is quite amazing." Another major player is Jeffrey Fuller, a

mentally challenged young man who plays the role of Boo Radley. "This

is Jeffrey's first show as well," stated McClendon. "He centers

the entire show and is very dedicated and focused." McClendon also

cites Sharan Mansfield, who plays the role of Calpurnia, as one of the

best actresses he has ever worked with.

"To Kill

a Mockingbird touches the humanity in all of us," said McClendon.

"People love this book." McClendon stated that he re-read the

book before auditions and felt like he could feel the heat and dust and

understand the people. "As I was reading it, the story came to life

and we try to bring that to the stage."

"To Kill

a Mockingbird" won the Pulitzer Prize but it was the only book that

author Harper Lee ever wrote. Lee still lives in Alabama but refuses to

discuss what she refers to as "the book." It is a popular book

for English classes and book clubs around the world, which is why the

speed of ticket sales does not surprise McClendon in the least. He does

recommend that anyone interested in attending the show call and make reservations

as soon as possible. He also adds that there is a distinct possibility

shows will be added to accommodate audiences.

"To Kill

a Mockingbird" will run Fridays and Saturdays, Apr. 11-26 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults. Phone 770-683-6282 to

make your reservations now.

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