Students ranging from fourth to 12th grades will perform Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” on Saturday at 3 p.m. and at 8 p.m. at The Church in the Middle of the Block, 217 5th Avenue in Altoona.
Tickets will be available at the door for a cost of $10 for adults and $5 for students. All proceeds benefit The Creative Youth Theater Foundation.
The story centers on life in the depression-era south and gives the audience a glimpse of the prejudice and injustice in the town of Maycomb, Alabama in 1932, as seen through the eyes of Scout and her elder brother Jem.
Their father, Atticus Finch, is a just man who is appointed to defend Tom Robinson, a young black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. Along with an all-white jury, the sleepy town of Maycomb becomes engulfed in hatred and blind ignorance. Through their father’s example, Scout and Jem learn first-hand about the causes and effects of racism and upholding human dignity.
Based on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize winning book of 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird was made notable by the 1962 movie starring Gregory Peck.
According to artistic directors Tom Sweitzer and Kim Tapper, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is hosted by The Tipton Creek Musical Theater Company.
The Virginia cast and The Tipton Creek Musical Theater Company in Altoona make up The Creative Youth Theater Foundation. The Foundation, serving Middleburg, Virginia, Altoona, Pennsylvania, and their surrounding areas, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to discover, inspire, and nurture the talent, potential, and imagination of youth who are ready to explore their world and themselves through the performing arts.
At times, the performing arts can influence lives and attitudes. Megan Hasse, who portrays Scout, explained, “I had a great experience in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. Cast members I had never met before became close friends with me. I learned about the time period and the issue of racism and that most people are kind when you finally see them clearly.”
“Both the teens from Virginia and the Tipton Creek Musical Theater Company represent the youth of today who are dedicated and responsible individuals,” said Anthea L. Germano, spokesperson and associate publicist for the Foundation. “These young men and women are a credit to their families and communities as they move forward to a bright and promising future.”
For more information about the performances and The Creative Youth Theater Foundation, call 684-4918.
