Contacts:
Adam Miller, Managing Director
205.391.2925 / amiller@sheltonstate.edu
Harley Sabbagh, Media Contact
205.391.2277 / hsabbagh@sheltonstate.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THEATRE TUSCALOOSA KICKS OFF NEW SEASON WITH TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
September 25, 2015 (TUSCALOOSA, AL) – Theatre Tuscaloosa will present To Kill a Mockingbird October 23-November 1
in the Bean-Brown Theatre on the Martin Campus of Shelton State Community College.
“In light of Lee’s book, Go Set a Watchman, being released this summer, I couldn’t think of a more perfect time to revisit
To Kill a Mockingbird,” says Tina Turley, Executive Producer of Theatre Tuscaloosa. “This show makes me feel like a kid
again. Every time I read the book, watch the move, or see the play I feel a renewal of the human spirit. We think it will
inspire our audiences.”
Based on the novel by Harper Lee, scriptwriter Christopher Sergel adapted Lee’s familiar tale of Scout, Jem, Atticus, and
Boo Radley. When Atticus Finch agrees to defend an African-American man in the Jim Crowe South, it has profound
effects upon his children and community.
Theatre Tuscaloosa Artistic Emeritus, Paul Looney, is directing To Kill a Mockingbird. Looney has directed more than a
hundred shows at Theatre Tuscaloosa.
The production team includes Kiera Gillock, stage manager; scenery, lighting, and sound designer, Wheeler Kincaid; Tylor
Little, props master; and Jeanette Waterman, costume designer.
“We are thrilled that more half the cast members are newcomers. They will bring energy and excitement to the table,”
says Turley.
Returning to Theatre Tuscaloosa are Matthew Eubanks, Von Ewing, Diva Hall, Candace Hilton, Clemmie L. Hilton, Israel
Hilton, Porsche Kemp, Louise Manos, Marla Moss, Will Nevin, George Thagard, Dianna Shaw, Jake Whipple, and Jeff
Wilson. They are joined by newcomers Faith Bonitz, Hope Bonitz, Jamarey Carter, Victor Christian, Becky Davis, Nicholas
Davis, Scott Frazier, Addison Lynn Hudnall, John F. Johnston, Joey Lay, Jonathan Ledger, Nick Schofield, Finesse Shelton,
Jay Shelton, Kasi Shelton, Anita Smelley, Tony Smitherman, Joel Stancer, Taylor Tinnon, Kollin Ward, and Konnor Ward.
“Paul Looney and Jeff Wilson (Atticus) have done this show together three times. Cleveland ‘Von’Ewing was also in it
with them in the 2004 production,” says Turley. “I believe their longtime relationships allow them to dig deeper into
these characters and this story. Believe me, they take their responsibility seriously about bringing Harper Lee’s truth to
the stage.”
9500 Old Greensboro Road #135 • Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405 • (205) 391-2277 • FAX (205) 391-2329 • theatretusc.com
Not only does the cast include many Theatre Tuscaloosa newcomers, it also includes cast members related through four
separate families: the Bontizes, Hiltons, Sheltons, and Wards.
The Bonitz sisters, Faith and Hope, are excited about working together on another production. “We’ve never done a
show apart,” says Hope. Faith loves being on stage with her sister. “She understands me in the way an actor needs to
understand her character, and we enhance each other’s performance,” says Faith.
Clemmie Hilton will share the stage once again with her three children Diva, Israel, and Candace.
“We have been in two shows together and To Kill a Mockingbird will make three,” says Hilton. “It is quite energizing to
share the stage with them. I feel as though I am creating a path for them that says ‘never ever give up on your dreams’
and that whatever you desire is worth the wait, struggle, pain, and price to make it happen.”
Theatre Tuscaloosa’s 2015-16 Season: Making Fun! is presented in cooperation with Shelton State Community College
and is made possible with support from Alabama State Council on the Arts and WVUA23. To Kill a Mockingbird is
sponsored by Mercedes-Benz U.S International, Inc., Townsquare Media, Warrior Roofing Manufacturing, Ameriprise
Financial, and Bank of Tuscaloosa.
To Kill a Mockingbird will run October 23-November 1, 2015 in the Bean-Brown Theatre on the Martin Campus of
Shelton State Community College. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturday, October 25.
Matinee performances will be at 2:00 p.m. on Sundays, Wednesday, and Saturday, October 31. A pay-what-you-can
dress rehearsal will be presented on Thursday, October 22, at 7:30 p.m., all proceeds of which will benefit the Charlie
Dennis Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors (60+) and members of the military, and $12 for students and children. Special
rates are available in advance for groups of ten or more.
A special event with one of Alabama’s top authors and historians, Dr. Wayne Flynt, will be presented on Thursday,
October 29, at 6:00 p.m. in the Shelton State Atrium. Flynt is one of the foremost experts on To Kill a Mockingbird and
Harper Lee. The presentation is free and open to the public, but seating is limited and available on a first-come, firstserved basis.
Tickets and information are available at www.theatretusc.com or 205.391.2277.
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Media Note: If you would like to arrange to cover a performance of To Kill a Mockingbird, a limited number of
complimentary press passes are available. Contact Adam Miller at 205.391.2925 or Harley Sabbagh at 205.391.2277 to
make arrangements.
Theatre Tuscaloosa is a 501c3 not-for-profit community theatre located on the Martin Campus of Shelton State
Community College. Theatre Tuscaloosa has been enriching the greater Tuscaloosa community since 1971 through
quality theatrical productions and educational outreach.
9500 Old Greensboro Road #135 • Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405 • (205) 391-2277 • FAX (205) 391-2329 • theatretusc.com