'To Kill a Mockingbird' Opens at Lionheart This Weekend

The beloved and society-shaking story of "To Kill a Mockingbird" opens at Lionheart Theatre Co. on April 26 and runs through May 12.

Wrapped in warmth and humor, "To Kill a Mockingbird" challenges the social norms of the 1930s in the South—confronting themes of inequality, fairness, honesty, bravery and gender.

The original Pulitzer-price-winning novel by Harper Lee is a staple in American classrooms. Atticus Finch, unforgettably portrayed by Gregory Peck in the 1962 Oscar-winning movie, is hailed as an American ideal of quiet strength, fairness, legal integrity and fatherhood. Gwinnett teacher, actress and playwright Joanie McElroy is directing the play.

"'Mockingbird' is one of the greatest stories to have come out of one of America’s greatest story tellers," said McElroy. "Folks are already hooked before they even walk into the theatre."

In addition, Lionheart will present "Thus Spoke the Mockingbird," a two-woman play depicting Harper Lee and providing a glimpse into her motivation to write "To Kill a Mockingbird." McElroy wrote the biodrama and also grew up in a small Alabama town much like Lee’s hometown of Monroeville.

Lee, 86, and still living in Monroeville, has not publicly discussed her novel in decades. Jason Caldwell is the director. "Thus Spoke the Mockingbird" will be performed two Thursday evenings only, on May 2 and May 9.

"Ms. Lee and I are both both Bama girls!" said McElroy of her special connection to the author.  "I think we both felt misunderstood growing up, had a strong connection to our families and pretty much had reign over the neighborhood – running around barefoot, climbing trees, and stealing muscadines off of the neighbor’s arbor. I really connected to her personal story and that enriched the experience for me in reading "To Kill a Mockingbird."

Tickets for "To Kill a Mockingbird" are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Tickets for "Thus Spoke the Mockingbird" are $10 for all seats. Lionheart is making a limited number of free seats available to tickets holders for "To Kill a Mockingbird" for "Thus Spoke the Mockingbird." See details at Lionheart’s web site: www.lionhearttheatre.org.

Lionheart is located in the historic church at 10 College Street in Norcross, next to Lillian Webb Park and steps away from Norcross restaurants and shopping.

See also:

• Christmas Movie to Be Filmed in Norcross
• Save the Date: Norcross Car Show Is May 18

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