Photo Credit: Julieta Cervantes
To Kill A Mockingbird – Orpheum Theater – Minneapolis MN – February 14th 2023
The Orpheum Theatre’s presentation of “To Kill a Mockingbird” is an excellent and handsome production of the Harper Lee novel from top to bottom.
This Aaron Sorkin adaptation never ceases to impress. The acting is superb—in particular, Richard Thomas, who plays Atticus Finch, gives a performance worthy of Gregory Peck. Melanie Moore, who plays Scout, is a popular draw to this particular performance. However, despite her strong performance, having her play a child can feel a bit off at times, per the comments of many in the audience. I personally am not a big fan of having adults play children, especially when someone is as old as thirty-one. I feel it would have been played better by a younger actor, simply based on the age.
The only other complaint I heard about this particular performance was the volume was low, making it difficult to hear at times. On top of that, with Southern accents, it could make hearing properly a little tough.
Setting and lighting for this production are both amazing. The set transforms from the Finch household to a courthouse and beyond, leaving the audience immersed in Harper Lee’s world. You don’t really realize how good a setting is until you remember that you’re sitting in a theater. That’s a wonderful feeling.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” is an absolute classic regardless. I’m a huge fan of the book and also saw this as a child at the Children’s Theater in Minnesota. I’ll always love the story and the names Boo Radley and Attitcus Finch will always cause my ears to perk up. One thing I would highly recommend to anyone who hasn’t read the book is to certainly read it.
Review by Sharon Collins / Tracy Hansen Photos by Julieta Cervantes
Photo Credit: Julieta Cervantes
Photo Credit: Julieta Cervantes
Photo Credit: Julieta Cervantes
Photo Credit: Julieta Cervantes
Photo Credit: Julieta Cervantes
Photo Credit: Julieta Cervantes
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