That’s a Wrap on Mockingbird!

 

There were more moving parts during this five-performance run of To Kill A Mockingbird then we’ve ever had, with so many things to say about it all, where do I begin? Well, how about we start with…

Friday, February 16:

Wil was out and about all morning with the actors playing Scout (Scout Backus) and Tom Robinson (Yaegel T. Welch) for radio and TV interviews with Star 99.1, Mix 96.9, Rocket 95.1, WLRH 89.3, and Tennessee Valley Living on WAFF 48.

Andrew, Lisa, and I were with Richard Thomas in downtown Huntsville for his press junket with WAAY 31, WHNT 19 & let’s not forget Kip’s Korner! 😉

Pennie and Kaitlyn were extremely busy selling the last remaining tickets to this season’s most sought after five-performance weekend.

David was preparing for tomorrow morning’s student workshop with actors from the tour.

Enitza was training her army of ushers.

All culminating in a spectacular, sold-out Opening Night of To Kill a Mockingbird, followed by a rip-roaring standing ovation by over 1,800 theatergoers!

 

Saturday, February 17:

Broadway/Film actors from the tour, Ian Beford and Andre Ozim, made many dreams come true for our high school theater kids when they led them in an acting workshop from 10am until noon on Saturday. Followed by a Q & A with the remarkable Mary Badham, the original Scout from the 1962 film. My inner high school kid was equal parts ecstatic/jealous because these opportunities didn’t exist in Huntsville in the 1980’s when I was in high school. But they do now and that’s truly special!

It was a sold-out, two show day which meant two uproarious standing ovations by over 3,600 theatergoers.

After the evening show, the drinks were flowing, and the southern cuisine was abundant (thanks Rhythm On Monroe) at the Cast & Crew party. Members of the TKAM company mingled with the BTL patrons in Mars Music Hall, which was the perfect setting for celebrating past the midnight hour.

 Sunday, February 18:

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) members at UAH, hosted by BTL Parton, Nancy Darnall, attended a noon reception in the Ginkgo Room prior to seeing the 2pm performance of TKAM. Ms. Darnall commented to BTL afterwards, “Thank you for always making my BTL goals better than I imagined. The food items reminded us of a ladies’ social. Since I grew up Baptist in Fayetteville, TN, the wine was not a memory but definitely a joy on Sunday.”

Speaking of receptions prior to the show, we have two other groups that meet ahead of certain performances for the Season Shows:

1.     The Stage Door Club – Themed food and drinks reception open to “Director” level and above BTL Donors; Takes place one hour prior to the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening performances of Season Shows

2.     Lookout – Hosted by BTL board member, Emily Vandiver and Robert Lane, is also a themed food and drinks reception open to members of Lookout; Takes place one hour prior to the Friday and Saturday evening performances of Season Shows

And it was yet ANOTHER sold-out, two show day which meant two more rambunctious standing ovations by over 3,700 theatergoers.

One of the biggest publicity taglines for this tour of To Kill A Mockingbird is “All Rise!” And we are happy to report that everyone did after each magnificent performance of this TKAM starring the beloved Richard Thomas and iconic child star Mary Badham.

 As an Alabama native myself who left for 36 years and only returned back to Huntsville last August, this was a very special show to have here in my first season with Broadway Theatre League. Every aspect of this experience has been unforgettable and I will cherish those memories. I mean I got to interview Mary Badham and Richard Thomas in person! It literally doesn't get better than that. And that's a wrap on Mockingbird!