MTVarts presents To Kill a Mockingbird May 8 to 10 at the Woodward Opera House. Credit: Submitted photo

MOUNT VERNON — A quiet Southern town. A whispered accusation. And one man’s stand that will echo far beyond the courtroom.

MTVarts brings To Kill a Mockingbird to life in the compelling stage adaptation by Christopher Sergel, based on the enduring novel by Harper Lee.

As tensions rise in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, a single trial exposes the deep fractures of a community — and the courage it takes to stand against them.

Set in the racially divided American South of the 1930s, the story unfolds through the eyes of Scout Finch, whose childhood curiosity gives way to a profound understanding of injustice.

Her father, Atticus Finch, takes on the defense of a Black man falsely accused of a terrible crime, placing his reputation — and his family — at risk in pursuit of truth.

What emerges is a deeply human story about integrity, empathy, and the cost of doing what is right.

“This story is as urgent today as it was when it was first written,” said director Bruce Jacklin. “It asks us not only to witness injustice, but to confront it — and to consider what courage truly looks like in our own lives.”

The production features a strong ensemble of local and regional performers: Jeffrey Scott as Atticus Finch, Grace Shank as Scout Finch, Hannah Marshall as Jean Louise Finch, Vincent Oertel as Jem Finch, Margaret Allotey-Pappoe as Calpurnia, Cate Blair-Wilhelm as Maudie Atkinson, Sierra Green as Stephanie Crawford, Jaqueline Bates as Mrs. Dubose, Daniel Slauson as Arthur “Boo” Radley/Nathan Radley, Jack Jenkins as Dill Harris, Nigel Salvador as Tom Robinson, Ian Fraser Ernsberger as Bob Ewell, Gabby Fuller as Mayella Ewell, SteveStone as Judge Taylor, Steve Jefferson as Reverend Sykes, Nate Hoam as Mr. Gilmer, Amaya Copeland as Helen Robinson, Thor Collard as Heck Tate, Matt Jones as Mr. Cunningham/Mob Leader, and Austin Gunthorp as the bailiff.

The ensemble includes Lanah Andrews, Myla Butler, Judy Diehl, Reese Ferenbaugh, Adeline Fontaine, Kate Gottke, Jenny Grinstead, Atticus Koller, Alice Petersen, Andrew Petersen, and River Posen.

Performances will be held May 8 to 10 at the historic Woodward Opera House. Tickets are available through MTVarts and the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium online box office.

This production is made possible in part through the generous support of MTVarts’ Season Sponsors: Ariel Corporation, the Knox County Foundation, and the Ohio Arts Council.

Their continued investment helps ensure access to high-quality theatrical experiences for the Mount Vernon community.

This production contains mature themes, including racial injustice and depictions of violence, and is recommended for mature audiences.

MTVarts is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven theater company dedicated to producing high quality theatrical experiences in Mount Vernon and the surrounding community.

Through its Classic Series and youth programming, MTVarts continues to bring powerful stories to life while fostering the next generation of artists and audiences.