Photos available on request
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
Opens February 24, 2006
Experience the Quiet Courage and Powerful Message
of This Pulitzer Prize Winning Classic With a New Generation
Sarasota, Florida – (February 1, 2006) The Asolo Theatre Company presents the much loved, critically acclaimed American classic To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee and dramatized by Christopher Sergel. Presented in the Mertz Theatre, To Kill a Mockingbird runs from February 24 – May 6, 2006. The play is directed by Howard J. Millman, the Asolo’s producing artistic director, who retires in June of 2006. Scenic design is by Jeffrey W. Dean and costumes by Mimi Maxman. Corporate Co-presenters are COMCAST and The Sarasota Herald Tribune.
Set in 1935 Macomb, Alabama, the story follows the court trial of a wrongly accused black man amid the prejudice of a small Southern town. Atticus Finch is the compassionate and honorable attorney who defends the man. The story is told through the eyes of Finch’s young daughter, Jean Louise “Scout” Finch. Filled with rich stories and compelling characters, the play brings to life powerful examples of family, loyalty, fairness and quiet courage.
Millman explains, “To Kill a Mockingbird is not just a lesson of intolerance. It is more importantly the story of a man who is determined to ‘do the right thing.’ It speaks to integrity and honesty and a moral fiber that goes far beyond what we are so ready to call values today. That is the real reason we keep revisiting this novel and play. I am proud to direct it.”
The 20-member cast features Stephen Johnson as Atticus Finch and Shanley Caswell as Scout, as well as resident actors David Breitbarth, Bradford Wallace, and David Howard; third-year Conservatory students Lesslie Dodge Crane, Darlene Horne, Natasha Staley, Norah Sweeney and Brit Whittle; and local actors Bonita Agan, Robert Atkins, Ray Crucet, Cameron Deems, Chase Ferreira, Karen Franzel, Alvin Jenkins, David Hershman, Charles McKenzie, and Peter Nason.
The play is the second Asolo show this season to be targeted specifically to include young audiences and families – A Christmas Carol and To Kill a Mockingbird. Additionally, the Asolo’s Education and Outreach program will be working closely with area schools, providing teacher workshops, study guides and follow up programs for both students and educators. More than 3,000 area students are expected to attend specially scheduled matinee performances of To Kill a Mockingbird as part of this program. For information on Asolo Education Department programs, or how to include a school in this program, contact Asolo Education Director Carrie Mills at 941-351-901 Ext. 3320.
Ticket prices for the play are from $16 to $48, depending on the performance day and time, with special discounts for students, seniors, and groups of 10 or more. Tickets for children under 12 are half price when purchased through the box office. Flex Subscriptions, $99 Play Pass and $25 Student Pass are also available. To purchase tickets, please call 941-351-8000 or toll-free at 800-361-8388, or order them online at www.asolo.org.
The Asolo Theatre Company performs in rotating repertory from November to June, within two theatres located at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts - 5555 North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.
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The Asolo is funded in part by the Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Department of State, The Florida Arts Council, the City and County of Sarasota and the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax through the Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Sarasota Arts Council. The Asolo Theatre Company’s Shakespeare productions are sponsored in part by Shakespeare in American Communities, a national theater initiative sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and The Sallie Mae Fund in cooperation with Arts Midwest. Additional funding is also received through the efforts of support groups including the Asolo Angel Association, the Asolo Theatre Guild, The Directors Emeritus and the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations.