REVIEW: 'To Kill a Mockingbird' shows young talent

BY STUART DUNCAN

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

THEATER REVIEW

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, set on the lovely campus of Drew University in Madison, offers a lot more than mere revivals of The Bard. For example, Harper Lee’s modern masterpiece “To Kill A Mockingbird,” the only novel she ever wrote, probably best remembered as a movie that starred Gregory Peck (in his one and only Oscar-winning performance) is now on view as a play.

Ms. Lee’s 1935 tale of Atticus Finch, a local Maycomb, Alabama lawyer (the town is fictional,) who dares to defend a black man accused of a crime against a trashy white woman, is the stuff of compassion, integrity and courage – it resonates today as powerfully as it did decades ago. And, under Joseph Discher’s direction (he is in his 21st season win Millburn) and superb company of 21, the story is as fresh as ever.

The play is faithful to the novel as it follows young Jean Louise (“Scout”) Finch, her brother Jem and friend, Dill as all three watch her father’s struggle with the prejudice of his community. The play is enhanced by being shown from the standpoint of a child’s innocence, but, as such, it is vitally dependent on the acting of the three youngsters. And director Discher has cast it brilliantly.

Brent Harris, who earlier launched his premiere season in Madison in the title role f=of “Timon of Athens,” plays Atticus Finch; no doubt he will remind you of Gregory Peck (not a bad thing, actually.) James Michael Reilly returns for 19th season to play Heck Tate, the Maycomb sheriff and handles the role with great grace. And Marjorie Johnson is here for her first as Calpurnia, the Finch cook (an much more.)

But the children steal the show: (as indeed they stole much of the film.) Emmanuelle Nadeau plays “Scout” will all of the confidence of a veteran pro.

In truth, she is a local Westfield seventh grader. Frankie Serath, who plays Jem has already made his Off-Broadway debut. And Ethan Haberfield, as Dill, finds bits of humor seldom discovered by actors far older. He has just finished a long Broadway run in “Mary Poppins.” Director Discher is celebrating his 21st summer in Madison and he has made a not-always-easy script completely available. Notice particularly how easily he has blended the courtroom scenes into the action (a tricky bit that has eluded many talented directors in other productions.)

“To Kill A Mockingbird” plays through Nov. 20 at The Shakespeare Theatre of N.J. at 36 Madison Ave., on the campus of Drew Univ. Please call (973) 408-5600 for the box office and information.