Harper Lee’s 1960 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird sells nearly one million copies each year. But director Scott Edmiston says he is looking to create a uniquely theatrical retelling of the well-known book and film in a new stage production that runs February 27 to March 22 at The Umbrella Arts Center Main Stage Theater in Concord. Tickets are $25-63 and available now at theumbrellaarts.org.
Scott Edmiston directs an 18-member cast with Barlow Adamson as Atticus Finch and Amelia Broome as Jean Louise Finch. Composer/cellist Valerie Thompson creates a new, live musical landscape. Reading-based performer Jason Myatt helps bring this classic story to life onstage as Mr. Gilmer/Mr. Cunningham.
Previously at Umbrella, Jason appeared as Mr. Assalone in The Minutes, Dave Moss in Glengarry Glen Ross, and Robert Lowell in Dear Elizabeth. Jason has been acting in the Greater Boston area for over 25 years, performing with Hovey Players, Vokes Theater, Quannapowitt Players, Acme Theater Productions, Greater Boston Stage Company, Publick Theater, Arts After Hours, Arlington Friends of the Drama, and many other groups. Favorite roles include John Brennan in Coyote on a Fence, Karl/Steve in Clybourne Park, Marc in Art, Sorn in Stupid F#&%ing Bird, Roland in Constellations, President Smith in November, Clov in Endgame, Colonel Brandon in Sense and Sensibility, Charles in The Clean House, and Vanya in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.
A distinctive element for this production is an original music score by cellist and composer Valerie Thompson, whose wide repertoire has found her writing and performing a full spectrum from classical to contemporary. Thompson will play live on stage at each performance.
The Umbrella’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” artistic team includes Assistant Director Joe Juknievich, Lighting Designer SeifAlla Salotto Cristobal, Sound Designer Chris Brousseau, Scenic Designer Janie E. Howland and Costume Designer Rachel Padula-Shufelt. Producing Artistic Director is Brian Boruta.
“To Kill A Mockingbird” runs February 27 to March 22 at The Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow Street in Concord, Mass. Performances are Thu and Fri @ 7:30p, Sat @ 8p, and Sun at 3p. Tickets available now at theumbrellaarts.org.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
- Student Matinee Performance – Thu, March 5, aimed for students at regional middle and high schools.
- Dinner and a Show / Thursday Night Out Packages – Thu, March 5, March 12 and March 19. Optional pre-show dinners ($25) take the stress out of planning a date night or friends get-together. Includes a catered dinner box, access to free art galleries and a relaxing vibe before the show. Dinners prepared locally from Nosh by Concord Market.
- Post-Show Talkback Performances – Sun, March 8 and Sun, March 15. Audience members are invited to stay after the show to hear a discussion with onstage and behind the scenes artists.
- Kid Care Performance – Sun, March 15 @ 3p. Kid Care gives parents and caregivers an opportunity to attend select performances while their children engage with licensed educators in art activities inspired by the production. The program aims to increase access to cultural events and create shared experiences for families.
ABOUT THE UMBRELLA
The Umbrella works to enrich lives and build a vibrant and inclusive community through the arts. It promotes creativity, learning, personal growth, and cultural exchange through accessible arts education programs, performing and visual arts presentations, and community collaborations. The organization comprises arts education, visual arts and the performing arts, with studio space for 50+ artists, three exhibition galleries, and two theaters, along with a dance studio for performances across disciplines. The Umbrella supports creative learning and community engagement through classes, summer camps, maker spaces, ceramics facilities, public art, school partnerships and spaces for private events.
