An American Classic Comes Alive at Mainstage

Blackwood – Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird soared to the top of the bestseller’s list upon its 1960 release with its groundbreaking portrayal of racial injustice. Its messages of tolerance, justice, dignity, and courage continue to remain important today. In fact, it was voted best-loved American novel in a national poll that ran from April through October 2018 as part of PBS’ Great American Read television series. Mainstage Center for the Arts will bring a beautiful stage adaption of this timeless tale to life as it presents To Kill A Mockingbird, February 8 – 10 directed by Marge Triplo and Nick Zaccaria.

To Kill A Mockingbird transports audience to the sleepy Alabama town of Maycomb where Depression-era siblings, Jem (Michael Thompson of Sicklerville), and Scout Finch (Sophia Donato of Gloucester Township), along with their friend, Dill (Dominick McNew, Jr. of Haddon Township), witness a tense tug-of-war between justice and racism in their community. It’s told from the perspective of eight-year-old Scout, whose widowed father, Atticus (Mike Doheny of Wenonah), defends Tom Robinson (Michael Peak) an African American man framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Bob Ewell (Minh Lam) claims that Robinson attacked his daughter, Mayella (Francine Odri of Lumberton).   

Scout and Jem endure hostility from friends and discover hypocrisy and outrageous attitudes of adults in this coming of age story. Atticus guides them along the way.

“Atticus Finch is a "bucket list” role, and one that I am finding to be challenging, intricate, and fun,” said Doheny. “Despite existing in an environment awash in racism and bullying, Atticus keeps his high moral standards intact, and he does so with quiet, intelligent professionalism. This same unwavering focus can be seen in his child-rearing, his social interactions, and the way he approaches his work - no matter the circumstance, Atticus thinks before he acts or speaks, and remembers to be fair and respectful, no matter the response. Today’s world can learn a lot from Atticus Finch’s perspective.”

The young actors in To Kill A Mockingbird are glad to have the opportunity to portray Atticus’ children.

“I like how Atticus teaches his kids to be courageous and fair,” said Donato. “Also, I’m having a lot of fun at rehearsals and enjoying the time with the other kids.”

For twelve-year-old Thompson, he’s finding that To Kill a Mockingbird is a great opportunity for him to expand his skills. “I’m in Encore Show Choir and participate in Summer Stage. All my experience is in musicals and I’m strongest at dancing. This show is really helping me strengthen my acting.”

The directors have had much experience with To Kill a Mockingbird. Years ago, they worked together on a production at Edgewood Regional High School. Triplo was the artistic director and Zaccaria the assistant director. Triplo went on to direct the production at Lindenwold High School. The pair is teamed up with CJ Coolsen as production manager.

Mainstage Center for the Arts’ To Kill a Mockingbird runs February 8 and 9; 7 p.m. and February 10, 2 pm in the newly-renovated fully accessible Dennis Flyer Theatre, Lincoln Hall, Camden County College. The season is sponsored by Comegno Law Group, P.C. Ticket prices are $18 for adults and $15 for senior citizens and students under 12. For tickets, visit www.mainstage.org, or call (855) 936-2467, ext 3.

Mainstage Board Members Marge Triplo and Nick Zaccaria Direct To Kill a Mockingbird Nearly 25 years ago, Marge Triplo and Nick Zaccaria worked together on a production of To Kill a Mockingbird for Edgewood Regional High School. Today, these theatre veterans are paired up again as co-directors of Mainstage Center for the Arts production of the same beloved American classic, which runs this weekend. The production holds extra meaning for this directing team because they are both dedicated board members of Mainstage Center for the Arts. “I felt this was a great opportunity for us to work together again while giving back toMainstage, which does so much for the community and youth interested in performing arts,” said Zaccaria. Triplo, who has performed, directed or taught at various theatres in South Jersey for over 45 years, agrees. In addition to teaching at Edgewood High School, Triplo was a theatre teacher at Lindenwold High School. “I am thrilled that alumni and colleagues from Edgewood and Lindenwold have come out toperform in this show,” said Triplo. “In addition, it’s been wonderful to get to know the actors whom I haven’t had the pleasure of working with previously. When Triplo moved on to Lindenwold, Zaccaria remained at Edgewood, which became Winslow Township High School. He taught English and Technical Theater at both high schools for 18 years before retiring. During those years, he also served as the assistant director and technical director for numerous high school plays and musicals Poised to fully enjoy retirement with his wife, Cathy, To Kill A Mockingbird is the final show Zaccaria will direct. He said, “With this outstanding cast, thought-provoking show, and wonderful time collaborating with Marge, I thought this was a perfect closing production.” To Kill A Mockingbird runs February 8 & 9, 7 p.m. and February 10, 2 p.m. For tickets, click here.