The Book I Didn’t Read: To Kill a Mockingbird at the Morrison Center
Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the live production of To Kill a Mockingbird at the Morrison Center here in Boise. And let me tell you, it was nothing short of spectacular. I know I was supposed to read the book during my years in school, but I’ll be honest I never did, and after seeing the show, I wish I had!
One thing that really caught me off-guard for this show was the diversity in age of folks who attended: families, students, and seasoned theatergoers, all eager to witness the much-anticipated play. While I’ve seen a variety of ages at the shows before, they’re usually more younger or older depending on the show, but this was had an impressive mix.
Once the lights dimmed, and the hush fell over the audience, we was instantly transported to Maycomb, Alabama. The set design was brilliant; it felt authentic and perfectly captured the small-town essence that, supposedly, Harper Lee vividly depicted in her novel. From the rustic homes to the intimate courtroom, every detail was painstakingly crafted to pull us into the world of Jem, Scout, and their father, Atticus Finch.
The cast absolutely knocked it out of the park. The portrayal of Atticus was both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. He exuded a quiet strength and integrity that I think we all aspire to have. You could feel the compassion and dedication he had toward defending Tom Robinson, and it was impossible not to root for him.
Scout and Jem were equally incredible, bringing a youthful innocence and curiosity to the stage. Their sibling dynamic was relatable and touched many of our hearts. One moment had me laughing with joy, while the next had me cringing with tension. This ebb and flow of emotions is what makes live theater so phenomenal.
However, the standout for me was Boo Radley. The way this character was portrayed was both powerful and moving. You could feel the energy in the room shift whenever he entered or was referenced. It was a beautiful reminder of the themes of misunderstanding and acceptance that run throughout the story. By the end, I think we all shared a collective sigh of realization about the importance of looking beyond first impressions.
The direction of the play kept the pacing lively, which is not an easy feat with such a weighty subject matter. The dialogue flowed naturally, with the occasional laugh built around Scout’s childlike perspective—because, let’s face it, innocence has its own way of cracking the tension in serious times.
Reflecting on the evening now, I’m incredibly grateful that the Morrison Center hosted this production. It sparked not only nostalgia for the beloved novel but also deep discussions about our society today. Theater has a unique way of connecting us, challenging our perspectives, and reminding us of our shared human experience, and this performance did just that.