"To Kill a Mockingbird" on Broadway right now is a wonder to behold.

[Coventina]

First, I have to say it was an incredible privilege to be able to go see it.

It cost me $90 to get a nose-bleed seat in the upper balcony, but it was well worth it.

I was only able to afford to go to NYC due to professional growth funds made available by my employer, so I recognize that these circumstances are unusual in enabling me to see the production and that it is out of reach for most.

Just a few words, and I promise no spoilers (are there "spoilers" for this story anymore?)

1) The current adaptation is by Aaron Sorkin (the writer of The West Wing, A Few Good Men, The American President, etc.) He does an amazing job adapting the material of the novel for this production. It's done in a kind of "flashback" style, in episodes, which is in keeping with the structure of the novel.

2) Jeff Daniels is amazing as Atticus Finch. He should get the Tony, but he's up against some other tough competition, as I understand. His Atticus is funny, kind, and just a touch flawed, enough to make him human, but oh so lovable.

3) LaTanya Richardson Jackson (Samuel L. Jackson's wife) is Calpurnia. I LOVED her performance!! I also loved the way Sorkin's adaptation developed a fuller picture of the Atticus/Caplurnia dynamic. It felt real and genuine in all its complicated dynamics of race, love, employer/employee, intimate yet flawed.

4) The three children were all well cast, and even though they were played by adults, it somehow WORKED. I thought it wouldn't but it did. I can't really explain in words why it did.

I feel so lucky to have seen this bit of live theatre magic. I don't know how long the production is supposed to run, but I hope it does get filmed and preserved.

[no_hypocrisy]

1. I'm a trial attorney and I've always wanted to be Atticus Finch.

[Hoyt]

2. Sounds like quite an experience. Good cast. Even my cat -- Atticus -- wants to see it.

[TreasonousBastard]

3. It will likely go on the road soon enough...

and Broadway touring shows can be as good as the original.

I miss Broadway. A lot. We had a small group that would book tickets once a month and saw
much great stuff. And there was a TKTS booth way downtown in the Wall ST area around the corner from where I worked. TKTS sold the unsold tickets for shows that had unsold tickets at half price plus a couple of bucks. My girlfiend at the time and I saw a lot of shows in those days.

As you no doubt noticed, there is absolutely nothing like seeing a live performance on stage.

[Paladin]

4. I got a ticket as a Christmas present, going to see it next month.

Cannot wait.

[Coventina]

5. Lucky you!!!

Somebody loves you very much!

I hope you have a better seat than I had. That's the only thing I could have wished to be better.
I would still see it again in a heartbeat from the same seat, though.

[Paladin]

6. One of the very best Christmas presents ever, no doubt. (nt)