Literary Masterpiece "To Kill a Mockingbird" Comes to Redlands

Harper Lee's classic masterpiece "To Kill A Mockingbird" is brought to the stage as Redlands' LifeHouse Theater presents the acclaimed story beginning Feb. 28. The tale revolves around the explosive events surrounding a young girl growing up in a quite Southern town - and how they are faced by her attorney father. One of the few novels credited with changing history, Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird,” published in 1960, spent nearly two years on hardcover bestseller lists and won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction and is still studied in over 70 percent of American schools. The story is also an iconic, Oscar-winning 1962 film starring Gregory Peck. “We are profoundly honored to have secured the rights to present this extraordinary novel on stage,” said LifeHouse founder and executive producer Wayne Scott. “All of us on the production team are united in our efforts toward presenting a faithful, passionate and loving rendition of ‘To Kill A Mockingbird.’” Scott cautions parents to use thoughtful discretion when considering the age of minors who may accompany them. “Most people know this story addresses mature themes regarding racial prejudice and contains frank language consistent with the period,” he said. “In support of the author’s worthy aims, we will present a faithful staging and all guests are advised accordingly.” Directed by Brady Greer Huffman, the cast includes over 20 veteran Inland Empire actors and actresses. The production stars Eric Gruenler as Atticus Finch and Meghan Young as Scout. Also starring are Matthew Hood as Jem, John Hood as Dill, Marcus Criner as Tom Robinson, Emily Prince as Mayella Ewell, Jeremy Wiley as Bob Ewell, and Jana Smith as Jean Louise Finch. Diana Handy appears as Calpurnia, Nathan Smith portrays Sheriff Heck Tate, John Bowers plays Reverend Sykes and Ken Wright is Judge Taylor. Also featured are Sauni Rinehart, Alise Smith, Anne Knighten, Jordan Crother, Tom Williams, Christina Jones, Peter Rajca and Rich Lampe. Performances begin Saturday, Feb. 28 and continue weekends through Sunday, March 22. Performances are held Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:15 p.m. A special Thursday evening performance on March 19 at 7:30 p.m. will also be held, and the performance on Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. will feature an interpreted presentation for the deaf. Tickets are on sale online at www.boxoffice.lifehousetheater.com. Advance ticket prices are $14 or $18 for adults, and $7 or $9 for children ages 3-11. No children under 3 will be admitted. Tickets can also be purchased via phone by calling 909-335-3037. The LifeHouse Theater box office is open Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m. and one hour prior to and during showtimes on the weekends. Tickets are $1 more the day of the performance. The theater is located at 1135 N. Church Street in Redlands.