| PENINSULA COMMUNITY THEATRE (continued) To Kill a Mockingbird (drama) ## Drama: To Kill A Mockingbird, PCT ## I had the pleasure of seeing this production at both PCT and Little Theatre of Norfolk. Although I liked the set design better in Norfolk, their production paled in comparison to that of PCT. All of the actors in the Peninsula production became their characters, making the audience feel every emotion brought forth in this strong story. ## I found this show thoroughly enjoyable and thought that it accented black history month very nicely, showing what African Americans have endured through to get where they are today. ## To Kill A Mockingbird, presented at Peninsula Community Theatre Feb 2004, was an excellent production: casting, directing and presentation. This must have been obvious to all who saw it since it was totally sold out after the first weekend. I would have loved to see it again!! The presentation of the same play at the Norfolk theater, with its very impressive set, paled in comparison. It was the best play I have seen in my past 5 years of attending community theater. ## My whole family thoroughly enjoyed To Kill A Mockingbird, it was truly wonderful! Certainly Atticus would be my vote for the best actor, it would be well deserved. ## Lead Actor: Paul Lawrence as Atticus Finch ## Mr. Lawrence brought such a human quality to the role of Atticus. His closing argument in the courtroom scene was particularly moving in that he completely drew the audience (as the jury) in. ## Lead Actress: Leah Parks as Scout ## I would like to nominate Miss Leah Parks who played Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird (PCT 2004) for her impressive portrayal in a first drama role. She was truly professional and gave an outstanding performance. ## At the tender age of eight, Leah Parks exhibited unusually mature focus throughout weeks of rehearsal, which resulted in an authentic, guileless characterization that was central to the story. Leah has a genuine love of theater and is truly interested in honing her considerable acting skills. There is nothing "show-bizzy" in her stage presence. She is also generous and patient with all others involved in production, having a fine sense of ensemble. She consequently continued to grow in the role beyond opening night, right up to closing. All fellow cast members, particularly those who are well-seasoned, appreciated our good fortune in having such a gifted young colleague in the role of Scout. It is not often, in community theater, that one encounters the pleasure of working with such a young person. We were fortunate enough to have three. Leah was truly outstanding, though, given the size of her role and her young age. (Linda Marley Smith) Wait Until Dark (drama) ## Scenic Design: Carol Ritz ## I was very impressed by the scenic design in Wait Until Dark. That would be my nomination. ## Director: Don Ritz ## I was a character in this production and have worked under Don Ritz on several occasions. His dedication to this show in directing each cast member to reach their fullest potential and allowing us the space we needed to make the characters our own made the show a great success. It has been one of the smoothest shows I have been a part of and his talent for knowing exactly what each scene needed allowed the show to come to life on the stage. ## Lead Actress: Holly Johnson as Suzy Hendrix ## I have been to a lot of the plays, almost all, and Holly Johnson is surely a star with her acting ability to play so many different parts and caricatures. |