By John Gonzalez

WKTV Contributor

John Gonzalez is a veteran journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a reporter, editor and digital innovator. He co-hosts the statewide radio show “Behind the Mitten with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. He can be reached at michigangonzo@gmail.com

There’s a harsh reality to the current Broadway tour of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

What was reality back in the 1930s still lingers today, said actor Christopher Ellis, who stars as prosecutor Horace Gilmer in what some consider the “most successful American play in Broadway history” (60 Minutes).

“This show is relevant. Even though it was 1934, it’s still relevant today, and some of the injustices,” said Ellis in an interview last fall before a tour stop in East Lansing.

The reimagined drama by the acclaimed playwright/screenwriter/film director Aaron Sorkin addresses that head on, he added. His version looks at the play in a new way.

“Like Aaron said … from an African American perspective, this is old news. This is still happening, maybe in different forms, but that type of thing is still happening.”

The classic 1960 novel, which later became a film starring Gregory Peck, is about a young girl named Scout Finch and her brother Jem. Set in Alabama, their father, Atticus Finch, defends a black man named Tom Robinson who is accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Scout, Jem and their friend Dill, are curious about the trial and learn important lessons about racism, injustice and empathy.

Sorkin’s stage adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird” maintains the core themes and messages of Harper Lee’s original work, according to critics, but introduces some changes in narrative perspective, character development, and storytelling style to make it a distinctive and thought-provoking theatrical experience.

In the end, it’s a story about standing up for what’s right and understanding the importance of seeing the world from other people’s perspectives.

The tour has made a couple of Michigan stops before coming to Grand Rapids. It played in October at MSU’s Wharton Center in East Lansing. It also finished a run last month at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit.

This is the national tour’s third leg of dates after successful runs that started back in April of 2022. Ellis was on that first tour, which starred Emmy Award-winning actor Richard Thomas (“The Waltons”) as Atticus Finch.

Ellis said that Thomas remains a fixture on the tour and has been a key factor to the tour’s success. As one reviewer said: “Richard Thomas as Atticus Finch is at the height of his career.”

Ellis speaks highly of the actor we all remember as John-Boy Walton of the long-running TV series “The Waltons.”

Ellis said: “What you see is what you get. He is a great leader. He’s fun to work with. He’s fun to play with. I have nothing but praise for this man. I’m a fan.”

Plus, he has a sincere way of “immediately embracing everybody” in the cast.

“He’s inspiring us to tell this story all across the nation, and he’s still having a blast with it. Every night he’s on stage you can tell.”

Originally from Idaho, Ellis attended Wayne State University’s Hillberry Program in Detroit for three years, “which was a good training ground because it was a rotating rep, so you would go to classes in the morning and rehearsals in the afternoon.”

After graduating with an MFA in 2012, he did Utah Shakespeare Theatre and also moved to Chicago where his wife teaches high school drama. They have two teenage children. He also does a lot of Dick Wolf TV shows “where I play a cop a lot on ‘Chicago Fire PD.’”

Overall, Ellis said he hopes everyone comes out to see “To Kill a Mockingbird.” It’s compelling to those who already know the story, and it’s timely for those who only have a passing reference to the show.

If past audiences are any indication of the show’s powerful impact, he said, “people are going to enjoy” it.

“It’s well worth it to come. I know I’m in the show, but I cannot recommend it enough. People NEED to see this show.

“It’s taking this story to new audiences that might not see this perspective,” Ellis said. “This is not something that has gone away. This is not something (where you say) ‘oh, that was way back then; it’s different now.’ It’s just changed form.

“These audiences, who might not go to Broadway, get to experience this, and I think this story is very relevant. Every day. Still is.”

IF YOU GO:

Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”
A new play by Aaron Sorkin
When: April 23-28, 2024
Where: DeVos Performance Hall
Tickets: Variety of price levels
More info: broadwaygrandrapids.com

Performance Times:
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 – 7:30pm
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 – 7:30pm
Thursday, April 25, 2024 – 7:30pm
Friday, April 26, 2024 – 7:30pm
Saturday, April 27, 2024 – 2:00pm
Saturday, April 27, 2024 – 7:30pm
Sunday, April 28, 2024 – 1:00pm
Sunday, April 28, 2024 – 6:30pm
Show Info: tokillamockingbirdbroadway.com

IMPORTANT SIDEBAR:

In anticipation of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Broadway Grand Rapids sent an email to its subscribers about the show’s subject matter, as well as links to a series of videos.

In the email to subscribers, it said:

“As we prepare for the upcoming performances of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ we want to extend an understanding and supportive hand to those who may not be familiar with the story or its themes, or for whom it’s been some time since encountering it.

“Recognizing the sensitivity of the topics addressed, we’ve sought insights from prominent thought leaders in West Michigan. They offer valuable perspectives on why this performance is worth your time and consideration. Additionally, they encourage you to take proactive steps to educate yourself about the narrative beforehand.

“Ultimately, our hope is that you’ll come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for its themes, as well as valuable insights into the human experience.”

Sonya Hughes Video

A conversation with Sonya Hughes, Principal at Inclusive Outcomes LLC: Hughes discusses the novel’s enduring relevance in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Skot Welch Video

A discussion with Skot Welch, President/Founder of Global Bridgebuilders: Welch encourages Broadway Grand Rapids patrons to educate themselves on the subject matter and race dialogue surrounding the show’s performance.

Jon March Video

Jon March is Of Counsel at the law firm of Miller Johnson, which is the exclusive sponsor of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” March is also a community actor having previously played the role of Atticus Finch. He shares why he connects to the role so deeply and why he believes the show will inspire other young attorneys.