Pendragon actors perform scene from 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' Photo by Burdette Parks
Pendragon Theatre production of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” will be presented at View in Old Forge on Thursday, March 1st.
Based on the classic novel by Harper Lee and the1962 movie adaption starring Gregory Peck, the plot revolves around racial injustice in an Alabama town during the Depression.
The story is told through the perspective of eight-year old “Scout” whose father, Atticus, a lawyer, defends a young Negro wrongfully accused of a crime.
Cast as Atticus is Robert Pettee, who played the role of the lunatic Renfield in Pendragon’s production of Dracula in the first theatre production at View’s Gould Hall last March.Pettee also played several roles in the production of The Mystery of Irma Vep that was presented by Pendragon last September at View.
“Atticus is a wonderful role and a delightful challenge. To Kill a Mockingbird is a fascinating universal story and we’ve taken it to a lot of places, including schools and public performances,” Petee said.
Pettee and his wife, Susan Neal, started Pendragon Theatre in 1980 after moving to Saranac Lake.
It was incorporated in 1986.
He is Managing Director, which he said involves some acting, and she is Artistic Director.
She is also Instructor Adjunct at SUNY/Potsdam in the Theatre Program.
At one time Pendragon brought theatre productions to the former Arts Center building in Old Forge but it was difficult to schedule productions because of space availability, he said.
“Now we are reconnecting with View and the new facility is phenomenal. It’s a thousand percent step-up from the old Arts Center in terms of space and accommodations and equipment, and we are really pleased to be reconnecting there. Hopefully we will be coming down with a couple of shows every year,” he added.
Pettee said they have been wanting to do “To Kill a Mockingbird” for several years, but weren’t able to do it because there is such a large cast.
However, the company received a grant through the National Endowment for the Arts which has made the production possible.
“It’s very gratifying to have their support,” Petee said.
Pendragon also received funds from the Lake Placid Education Foundation, he said, which helps to bring the production to schools and to central locations, such as View.
“To Kill a Mockingbird,” with its big cast and powerful plot will be directed by Harrison Ewing.
It opens Thursday, March 1, at 7 p.m. at View.
For ticket information contact View at (315) 369-6411.
