Angelo Civic Theatre Brings a Harper Lee Masterpiece to Life

Since 1881, the Angelo Civic Theatre has been in existence, making it the longest running community theatre in Texas. On Friday night, people packed the theatre for the opening performance of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird.

To Kill a Mockingbird, a Pulitzer Prize novel, was published in 1960. This classic text is a staple in high school curriculums across the country. Additionally, a film adaptation starring Gregory Peck was released in 1962 and is considered one of the greatest films ever made. To say that there are high expectations for this theatre performance would be an understatement.

The cast practiced relentlessly for five weeks. Cathryn Sanders, who has been the Artistic Director of Angelo Civic Theatre for three years, gave some insight on just how much work went into this production.

“[Rehearsals are] Monday through Friday, seven to whenever they finish,” Sanders stated after Friday's performance.

The cast and crew also worked over the weekends as well to ensure a phenomenal performance.

“That’s just when they are here [at the theatre]. That’s not including when they are not here and they have down time at home when they can be memorizing their lines,” Sanders added.

A total of 50 volunteers helped bring this performance together, including director Casey Baccus, a cast of 22 actors, and one woman who single-handedly made all of the wonderful costumes that take us back to 1935 Maycomb, Alabama.

It is safe to say all of this hard work paid off. The actors fit perfectly into their characters, and greatly exceeded the fans’ expectations. One of the most notable performances was that of Jon Mark Hogg.

Hogg portrayed Atticus Finch, who is the father, lawyer, and protagonist in To Kill a Mockingbird. He has been involved in local theatre for 11 years.

He stated, “With any character, you kind of make it your own and you see things out of that character that you didn’t see before.”

Overall, Friday night’s performance received a standing ovation from a very pleased crowd.

“I am so proud! I love this story, I love To Kill a Mockingbird,” Sanders noted after the performance.

For people in San Angelo looking to do something this Saturday evening, this play is definitely worth a watch. This is a chance to see amazing local talent bring this timeless masterpiece to life.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” will have evening performances on Nov. 7 and Nov. 13-14. There will be two Sunday matinees on Nov. 8 and 15. This will be the last play of 2015 for Angelo Civic Theatre, but the actors and directors will pick back up in February with “Miss Abigail’s Guide to Dating, Mating, and Marriage!”

For tickets, times and more information on Angelo Civic Theatre, please visit www.angelotheater.com.