Knoxville Children’s Theatre will present “To Kill A Mockingbird,” based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Harper Lee.  The play will be performed February 26 through March 13, Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m.; Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m.

The unforgettable Pulitzer Prize-winning novel comes to life on the KCT stage, with its unique mix of warm nostalgia and frank realism.  The lives of young “Scout” Finch and her big brother Jim are about to change forever, when their father Atticus, a lawyer, is appointed to defend a black man accused of attacking a white teenage girl.

Meanwhile, the children become fascinated by their reclusive neighbor “Boo” Radley. All their worlds collide in the sleepy town of Maycomb, Alabama, as its citizens confront their fears and prejudices.

Harper Lee’s novel has become one of the most respected books of its era.  The book won the 1961 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and has been labelled “a stiry of strong national significance.”  This adaptation is the same one performed annually in Lee’s hometown of Monroeville, Alabama, during the town’s “Harper Lee Days.”

The play is performed by 20 talented young actors, from ages 8 to 16.  The role of Atticus Finch will be played by Sean Sloas, a KCT veteran who returns to the company after numerous local performances.  “Scout” is portrayed by Maebel Johnson, a longtime KCT student who is making her stage debut.  Jean-Louise, the adult version of “Scout,” will be played by Caroline Dyer, a veteran of over 20 KCT plays.

The pivotal roles of the courtroom opponents, Tom Robinson and Mayella Ewing, are played by Derrick Washington, Jr. and Isabelle Hannah.  Jim is played by Chase Russell, a KCT newcomer, and the mysterious “Boo” Radley will be portrayed by Jared Watkins.

Three actors, other than Maebel and Chase, are making their KCT debuts: Eric Magee, Zion Olum, and Genevieve Robinson.

The rest of the cast includes Cian Bell, Reed Cooper, Lucas Cunic, Nilah El-Amin, Corbin Fram, Kayla June Nobbe, Quintin Rhodes, Lauren Rymer, Leigh Shields, and Simeon Thress.

KCT is East Tennessee’s leading producer of stage plays for children.  To Kill A Mockingbird is the 74th play to be produced by Knoxville Children’s Theatre.  Over 17,000 people attended a KCT play in the last two years.  The play is directed by Dennis E. Perkins from a script by Christopher Sergel, licensed by Dramatic Publishing Company.

The show is sponsored by The Comcast Foundation, Clayton Homes, and Home Federal Bank.  Assistance was also provided by Bandit Lites, and Prestige Cleaners.

Knoxville Children’s Theatre • 109 E. Churchwell Avenue • Knoxville, TN 37917

For more information: (865) 208-3677 • knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com • info@childrenstheatreknoxville.com