"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it." ― Harper Lee, "To Kill a Mockingbird" I am truly enamored of performance arts and the theater. Having read Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize novel in high school as mandatory summer reading I am happy to read it. Morale, courage, respect and compassion are all part of humanity that never fades and are the essence of mankind. I thought Jeff Daniels's performance as Atticus Finch was good. I find Gregory Peck's performance as Atticus Finch was outstanding exceptional. I am excited that the novel during my high school years reading adapted to stage. This is a memory play as narrated by Jean Louise Finch (aka Scout), Jeremy (aka Jem) and friend Dill Harris. Play running time is 2 hours and 35 minutes with one 15 intermission. The play did not start promptly at 2 pm on a Saturday, but beginning 2:04 pm and ended at 4:50 pm. The writer Aaron Sorkin did not remain true to the book but decided to create a different version based on the book and plot, nevertheless the storyline is the same and solid with various differences. The acting is well performed. The three children are played by adult actors with heavy dialogue and narration. The set, props are very quick to be changed and removed by actors and ensemble for the next scene. I like the front porch set of the Finch home as it depicts a American Deep South fictional home of Maycomb, Alabama circa 1933-1935. I was hoping to see a balcony and a balcony filled with townsfolk for the court room trial scene. Why did Atticus not ask Sheriff Tate if the victim was seen or treated by a doctor since Mayella Ewell was claimed "beat up" and allegedly raped? Jeff Daniels is Atticus Finch who is appointed by Judge Taylor to defend Tom Robinson to the best he is able as his attorney. This question is vital in a rape and assault trial and secondly taken directly from Lee's book: "Did you call a doctor, Sheriff? Did anybody call a doctor?" asked Atticus. Also the courtroom set design and background the windows are broken and the walls depict a worn industrial factory where steal I-beam can been seen. This is a government courtroom which means no broken windows and no exposed disrepair walls. The stage version produced a rowdy loud outburst courtroom scene which is not in the book where Horace Gilmer, prosecutor attorney and Bob Ewell began storming violently toward Tom Robinson with the intent to cause harm. The courtroom skipped small details as the townsfolk, jury, attorneys, et al were fanning themselves to keep cool from summer's heat. The play skipped scenes where the three children found toys inside the Radley tree as described in Lee's book. "The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience." -- Harper Lee, "To Kill a Mockingbird" read more

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Jeff Daniels was awesome as Atticus. I'm so glad I was able to see this show before he moved on. I'm sure Ed Harris is equally as good, I'd like to go see it again. Such a great adaptation of the book. Go see it! read more

This play exceeded my expectations by far! Everything gets together in a perfect combination of atmosphere, perfect acting, and great musical background that compliment the play very well. I was catching every word, every expression, every move. While living through the play you experience so many emotions: anger, pain, disappointment, sympathy... I really recommend this play for serious people, for those who can think and understand. Ps, the only downside was that they let a person in 30-35 min after the play started, which is unacceptable!!! read more

To Kill a Mockingbird - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

Having been a fan of the movie version and hearing about the popularity of this production I knew I had to include it as part of my NY trip. There were 2 things that struck me as I prepared to watch it. First-the note in the Playbill. Anyone who sees this production take heed to what is written in the insert: "If you leave your seat for any reason during the performance, you will not be permitted to return." Second-the play starts without the usual "please silence your cellphone bit, etc." It just starts without warning. Act 2 is the same way-plan accordingly. Written by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing) the narrator Scout (expertly portrayed by Celia Keenan-Bolger wonders why Bob Ewell "fell on his knife" and killed himself. The story goes back and forth between the children's apprehension of Boo Radley, their hatred of Ewell, and the famous trial of Tom Robinson accused of raping a young woman. Jeff Daniels gives an excellent performance as Atticus Finch the attorney assigned to defend Tom. His children as well as their friend Dill are all played by young adults who really get you to think they are children. While holding to the original storyline there are plot twists and more license is given to the racial tension going on in Macomb, Ala. during the depression. The KKK is introduced as well as a new character "Link Deas" who was thought of as the town drunk since he always" walked around with two straws sticking out of his bag". Yet as Atticus stated "you don't really know someone until you walk in their skin" is shown here as deep truths are revealed about some of these people that others take for granted. The "absence" of the jury even though the chairs are there emerge when Jeb, Scout, and Dill recite the individual verdicts. The 3 of them are quietly standing apart from each other which the trial is in progress. Perhaps the most impressive scene for me was when Atticus defends himself against a drunk Bob Ewell in a wrestling hold in Act 2. Off to either side of the stage is a person playing a guitar and another playing a pump organ to provide the music of the period. I like how they developed the role of Calpurnia the housekeeper into a woman who speaks her mind to Atticus and later comes to the realization that all she does for him is appreciated with his quietly speaking "your welcome. She is seen as an equal as opposed to an inferior person. "LaTanya Richardson Jackson did a great job portraying her. The lynching scene is tense and I like the fact that throughout the play certain actors use the side aisles to come down making you feel that you are right in the heart of the action. The play is so well done I was stunned that it wasn't nominated for best play for the upcoming Tony awards. Although Jeff Daniels is amazing as Atticus Finch and Gilbert Gilmore a close runner up as Dill, my vote goes to Celia Keenan-Bolger as Scout for best featured actress in a play. She stands apart in a league by herself with her narration and character role. Her performance was outstanding. If you love the book by Harper Lee or the movie version with Gregory Peck, then this adaption will floor you. It is scheduled to tour next year and I highly recommend seeing it. I literally cried through this one, it is truly a worthwhile show. "All rise!" read more

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Broadway. Check. Jeff Daniels in lead role. Check. My favorite book and movie on Broadway with Jeff Daniels. Check. I didn't really think there could be any other Atticus Finch except for Gregory Peck with Harper Lee's words. But then Jeff Daniels and Adam Sorkin took a rug and pulled it out from underneath us and delivered a stunning, flawless rendition of the novel that just swept us away. It was poignant, as I expected, heart-breaking, as I knew it would be, but it was shockingly.... funny. I had a mezzanine center seat, row G, and paid $133 for my ticket. read more

Not a bad seat in the house. I'd go over and over. Be sure to check the stage door. I got to meet Jeff Daniels and get an autograph. read more

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We were lucky to catch Jeff Daniels when this re-opened after the pandemic. Awesome show, very interesting and interactive set unlike the usual build-outs. read more

The show is great, acting straight to the point. I got second row in the center of the balcony but the seats are not elevated very high so a lot of time was blocked by the head in front of me because the acting are very much to all the way to the front so everyone was leaning forward trying to see what's happening, it's a bit bad design. Some actors talk soft and mumble, so it was a bit hard to catch what they were saying especially in a very deep southern accent. In general enjoy the show. read more

This reimagining of the classic, which we all read in high school, is updated and maintains its relevance even in the 21st century. Though set in the 1930s, it's themes of racism and personal acceptance are unfortunately still resonant today. The cast, led by Jeff Daniels, all should be getting Tony nominations. The adaptation by Aaron Sorkin can't be compared to the original, but is true to its virtues and updates the contexts for modern audiences. In the end, a thoroughly enjoyable evening. read more

Great show and cast this afternoon in NYC. Kudos to Daniels and company as they handled a medical emergency AND delivered a stellar show.

We purchased tickets for my adult kids for Christmas. Dec 26 show. Also purchased 4 train tickets a 2 hotel rooms. Kept checking because of Covid, shows still on. We purchased insurance for the train in case it was cancelled. Well we got here had dinner walked to the show. Got an email at 7:10 pm that 8 pm show cancelled. Unacceptable that they waited so long to tell us! Do Not Buy Tickets! They refunded for the show but we are out a train ride and 2 hotel rooms. read more

perfect. I do wish they had a bathroom for those with disabilities. i was unable to bring my 87 year old mom to the play because of this. I will probably see this again before Jeff Daniels leaves this role. read more

The best acting I've ever seen. What a great cast and a great rendition of my favorite book. The raw emotion coming from some of the actors was just astounding. I had tears in my eyes towards the end. read more

Awesome show. Great cast. It's about time for Broadway to add some comfort to its seating, tickets are in the multi hundreds, one shouldn't need a chiropractor after, but the show is awesome. Highly recommend. read more

This was a last minute addition to our musical weekend agenda. I'm so glad we added it. It was, of course a compacted version of the book but of course it has to be. I think it was as good of an interpretation of the book as the movie was. There were a couple of bits that were left out or changed/conveyed differently than I would have liked to see it. My husband felt it didn't bring forth the importance of Boo Radley's character enough & I tend to agree. Jeff Daniels was good as Atticus Finch & Celia Keenan-Bolger was even better as Scout. read more

Must see! I can't list all the reasons to see this play but I'd start with the names of every cast member. Extremely well done.

Go, if you have an opportunity, Go ! for a book I "had to read " years ago, This story is timeless. Every actor in this performance was outstanding, the understudy for Dill was exceptional . You will Not be disappointed . read more

The individual, Catherine, who gave this 1 star should be banned from Yelp. It is such a riveting, emotional, and well acted play. The cast was fabulous and it was so well written. It is a shame someone is so mentally ill they would give this play 1 star. read more

Absolutely the best performance by Jeff Daniels who's a beautiful soul & a great actor. He delivered with perfection.

Ed Harris' turn as Atticus was superb. The entire production was breathtaking: The actors along with their thoughtful and impeccable timing and delivery; a wonderful use of staging and scenery; lighting; surprising humor; pared down music by the two musicians that peppered scene changes, pauses, and interludes; use of the whole venue as part of the stage with actors entering and engaging from behind the audience; contemporary takes woven into such a moving play. All of it is not to be missed. We had some young people with us, and I wasn't sure if they were both going to become immersed, but there was no way they wouldn't be. They loved it. It was kind of troubling that my teenagers were the only two young people there, though, since this is a story that needs to be seen by all ages. Art is accessible to everyone on any level, wherever they meet it, no matter their age, etc. This is one play you really should not miss. It was riveting and moving, and mesmerizing. It is appropriate for teenagers, but I wouldn't go much younger than teens, unless they're familiar with adult themes. I saw Pippin on Broadway when I was like 7, (I'm a New Yorker and stuff like seeing this show so young is fairly normal for people that grow up here and see shows, ballet, opera, and plays frequently), and some of the stuff 'may have been over my head,' (little kids know when to look away usually), but I'll always remember Irene Ryan, Ben Vereen, Fosse's incredible choreography, all of the talent, and other music and scenes. TKaM is a lot less noisy than Pippin and may give young children nowhere to hide during long periods of quiet action, so my advice is: Teens and tweens, at the youngest, depending on their level of maturity. But. Don't. Miss. This. One. read more

Weak production. The new dialogue doesn't add anything meaningful to the story. I wasntemotionally connected with any of the characters.

I would give this 50 stars if I could. The best, by far, play I have ever seen. AARON Sorkin's adaptation is moving and flawless. The cast remarkable. I was moved to tears, that has never happened before. Do whatever you have to do to see this, no matter the ticket price. I promise it will be worth it. read more