“And so if you liked ‘Mockingbird’ and if it meant something to you as a young person, and you want to, you should read it again as an adult because it’s a whole different experience and very, very deep and very fulfilling.” “As with a lot of books we read in school, it’s not a book for kids it’s a book for adults,” Thomas said. But in preparing to bring the character of Atticus to life, the actor revisited the novel, which unexpectedly ended up being one of the most rewarding parts of starring in Sorkin’s production. Thomas first read “To Kill a Mockingbird” as a kid in school. Inside this Utah theater’s 4-year battle to tell the story But also, with a very naive point of view about everybody’s goodness.” “He’s just a good man trying to do the right thing. “I would hope this makes him a more relatable character rather than a sort of a father figure, which he is to the kids but not to the audience - nor should he be,” he continued. “He’s anticipated the problems with the whole white savior scenario,” Thomas said, noting how the novel has sometimes been criticized for perpetuating that trope and leaving Black characters relegated to the margins in a story about oppression. And through substantially expanding the role of Calpurnia, the Finches’ Black housekeeper, Sorkin has created a stronger voice that is simultaneously supportive and critical of Atticus - a relationship Thomas called “one of the most moving parts of the play.” His challenges and breakdowns are more transparent. Audiences see Atticus struggling to raise his children and struggling to maintain his idealism. In reinterpreting Atticus, Sorkin creates more vulnerability for the character, Thomas said. “You can play a human being, a person, because icons are not interesting as theatrical roles.” “He’s really taken Atticus down off that pedestal, which is great because icons are unplayable - you can’t play an icon,” Thomas said. The estate was especially concerned with the liberties the script took when it came to Robinson’s lawyer Atticus, whose views are challenged and called into question.īut for Thomas, this was one of the biggest draws. Prior to its debut, Sorkin’s script ran into issues with Lee’s estate because it strayed from the novel. Like the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel - which follows the story of Tom Robinson, an honest Black man accused of raping a white woman in 1930s Alabama - Sorkin’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” hasn’t been without controversy. So when an invitation to star as Atticus in the production’s national tour came along, the actor was ready. When Thomas first heard about “West Wing” creator Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird” - which had a 2018 Broadway debut with Jeff Daniels in the role of Atticus - Thomas knew he wanted to be a part of the show in some capacity. In return to Utah, ‘Waltons’ star shares his favorite part of the Tabernacle Choir Christmas concertĥ highlights from the Tabernacle Choir’s Christmas concertĪaron Sorkin reinterprets Atticus in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ “And I really deep down feel I’m not ready to stop telling this story.” “The sheer joy of playing this part is something I’m not ready to let go of yet,” Thomas said an announcement posted on July 5, per. Now, that epiphany from his childhood has led him to portraying Atticus Finch in a newer take on Harper Lee’s classic “ To Kill a Mockingbird.” Thomas has been a part of the national tour - which came to Salt Lake City last year - from the start, and his role as Finch has just been confirmed for the 2023-24 season.
#TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD BROADWAY DURATION SERIES#
Although he is well known for his portrayal of John-Boy in the 1970s series “The Waltons,” he’s also had lead roles in movies including “The Red Badge of Courage” and “All Quiet on the Western Front.” Over the years, Thomas has appeared in countless productions on TV, film and Broadway. “I just was lucky enough to be actually doing it when I realized it.” “Children have a sense of who they are and who they want to be a lot sooner than a lot of people realize,” Thomas told the Deseret News. His exploration of the acting world started early - he was 7 when he made his Broadway debut. Today, the 72-year-old actor said he has never questioned his profession, joking that you need other skills to be able to consider another career. You’re an actor,’” Thomas recalled himself thinking. Act One of the play “The Member of the Wedding,” based on Carson McCullers’ novel, was coming to an end, and in that instant, Thomas had an important moment of self-realization. The spotlight fell upon Richard Thomas as he stood on the stage. Editor’s note: This article originally published Sept.
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