Broadway Bound
St. B’s eighth and ninth graders recently saw the Broadway production of To Kill a Mockingbird. This trip was made possible by the Stephen C. Magowan ’57 Memorial Fund, established in 2003 to stimulate interest in the theater. Below is a compilation of writings by Aidan C., Owen C., and Aiden H. describing the experience.
On Wednesday, November 7, the eighth and ninth grades, went to see To Kill a Mockingbird at the Shubert Theatre. In the spring of seventh grade, we had all read this classic written by Harper Lee. To Kill a Mockingbird details life in the south during the early twentieth century, but it raises relevant questions about our current society. We were curious what the stage adaptation would be like in comparison to the book.
When everyone was assembled in the theater, the lights dimmed, and the play commenced. The play was wonderful, especially Jeff Daniels, who played Atticus Finch. Jeff Daniels was familiar to many of us from movies like Dumb and Dumber and Gettysburg. He portrayed Atticus with more temper and less idealism than he appeared in the book.
Most of us were surprised to discover that the play was told from the perspective of a grown-up Scout and Jem recalling their relationship with Boo Radley, the trial of Tom Robinson, and the unwavering prejudice that pervaded Alabama in the early 1950s. Harper Lee’s message of looking past people’s appearance to their character is as critical today as it ever was.
The court scenes were powerful because there was always something eventful occurring. Putting myself in the producer’s shoes, I would have changed a few things. I wished the producer had included the scene in which Atticus shot the rabid dog. When Atticus shot and killed the dog, his kids discovered another surprising side to their father. Additionally, I would have liked the producer to include the scene in which Bob Ewell attacked Jem and Scout when the two of them were walking home. Bob attempted to hurt Jem and Scout because their father defended Tom Robinson. In this production, that event happens offstage.
We all had a good time seeing this Broadway play, and the production made us think. The excellent performance of To Kill a Mockingbird highlights how we should all pursue advancement with a strong, unwavering moral compass and always strive for equality.
Thank you to Mr. Bowcock, Mr. Kitson, Mr. Merrill, Ms. Greenhill, Mr. White, Mr. Clements, and Mr. St. Clair for making the special day possible.
