David Wise — Daily Staff Writer

With Barack Obama taking the position of commander in chief, the country has taken another step toward fulfilling the belief that all people are created equal, a sentiment highlighted in the story of “To Kill A Mockingbird.”

Christopher Sergel’s dramatization of “To Kill a Mockingbird” reflects the classic novel, focusing on the history of prejudice in this country. The story is of a black man accused of raping a white woman in an era when racial prejudice was a common issue. Atticus Finch, a white lawyer, agrees to defend him in court because of his belief in equality.

The importance of the show today

“This play applies to today, and I think it helps you learn or teaches you tolerance and all the other universal themes,” said Mikel MacDonald, performing the role of Finch. “We just elected a black president and it heightens the importance of the role for me. It just means more to me because of Obama and what we’re going through as a nation.”

Not only is the show appropriate for this era of equality, but the cast is also an aspect that makes this production a top-notch show. MacDonald, who has played this role in three other versions of the production and performed 34 of Shakespeare’s 37 plays, explained that this cast is the strongest he’s ever worked with.

“They’re truly remarkable people, not only their talent, but also their work ethic and their willingness to help anyone at anytime. If I died at the end of this tour, I will have died happy just from working with these people,” MacDonald said.

Preparing for the role

Jennifer Fleming-Lovely, who started acting at the age of four, will be playing the role of Atticus’ 12-year-old boy, Jeremy “Jem” Finch. Fleming-Lovely said she had to change some aspects of herself to prepare for the role of Jem.

“I was sort of a tomboy when I was younger and mostly what I changed for this role was my posture and my voice. I had to cut my hair. It’s very, very short now and it was very long. But really, it’s just like [playing] any child that happens to be male,” Fleming-Lovely said.

Kathleen Conry is another experienced actress will perform the role of Miss Maudie. Conry has toured as M’Lynn in the Montana Repertory Theatre’s 2005 production of “Steel Magnolias” and has worked more than 40 years on Broadway. In addition, Conry said she has taught theater arts at numerous colleges across the country and directed/choreographed almost 100 shows.

Completing the look

The show also includes a special set that will reflect the audience. Bill Raoul, scenic designer, wanted this set to reflect realism, but at the same time create a mirrored reflection with a story of its own. Raoul accomplished this by constructing several 24-foot-high panels that reflect the audience’s faces. In addition, Raoul inserted a Plexiglas wall in the back of the stage so it can also reflect the lights back onto the audience.

MacDonald said this stage helps the audience reflect on the true meaning of the story by being able to look inside themselves.

“It’s memorizing, the audience can see their own reflection. The story we’re telling is, look into yourself and find out where your heart is on these issues, and at the same time, the audience is actually looking at themselves,” MacDonald said.

The event

What: “To Kill A Mockingbird”

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Stephens Auditorium

Cost: Students $20; public $33, $29; youth $18

Christopher Sergel’s dramatization of “To Kill a Mockingbird” will be having shows across the country through May.