Bob_Grip's Blog

Saturday, my wife and I took a drive to Monroeville to see something we have wanted to see for a long time, the live, local production of Harper Lee's classic, To Kill A Mockingbird.

Though I didn't anticipate it, I was asked to be a "walk on", or in my case, a "ride on", since the part involved me riding across the outdoor set in a horse-drawn carriage, wearing a pair of overalls and a straw hat. Here is the proof.






The stage adaptation is set at the site of the old Monroe County Courthouse. The first part of the play takes place outside the Courthouse, then everyone moves inside for the trial.

While the cast is by definition "amateur", in that no one gets paid, the quality was strictly professional.

The backgrounds of the cast members are worth noting. Harvey Gaston, who played attorney Atticus Finch, is the CEO of Peoples Exchange Bank of Monroe County. Charlie McCorvey, who portrayed the wrongly-accused Tom Robinson, is a Monroe County Commissioner. Katie Baggett, who did a great job playing Atticus' daughter Scout, is an eighth grade honor student at Brewton Middle School.

Some of the other stars of the show were Stephanie Salter, who was the Wise Lady of the South; Hanna Brown, with her rounded shoulders, downcast eyes and constant fidgeting was the perfect Mayella Ewell. Connie Baggett, who is better known as the Monroe County reporter for the Mobile Register, did an outstanding job as the local gossip.

Recognition should also go to Dott Deanna Bradley (Calpurnia), Patrick Weaver (Jem), Harrison Fahy (Dill), Claudia Swift (Mrs. Dubose), Robert Champion (Boo Radley), Bruce Ulmer (Bob Ewell), Butch Salter (Sheriff Tate), Stuart Richeson (Judge Taylor), and David Busby (Court Clerk). The role of Reverend Sykes was shared during the season by a real reverend, John Tucker, Marcus Lambert and Lavord Crook.

While the Monroeville season is over, the production will come to the Saenger Theater in Mobile soon. Don't miss it.

I want to thank everyone in Monroeville for treating my wife and me like royalty.  We will never forget your warmth and hospitality!

Finally, a visit to Monroeville wouldn't be complete without remembering one of Harper Lee's friends and neighbors, who is honored by a historical marker.