A TIME TO KILL
VINTAGE THEATRE:4/7 – 5/21
L-R: Drew Hirschboeck, Cris Davenport, Robert Lee Hardy and Miranda Byers
Rupert
Holmes’ stage adaptation of John Grisham’s first novel, “A Time To Kill,” is a searing
thriller of a court room drama.
Grisham,
who has written dozens of novels, wrote “A Time To Kill” before he penned “The
Firm” and “The Pelican Brief.”
Growing up
in Mississippi, he worked as a lawyer and was a member of the House of
Representatives for that state. With his background it’s no surprise that the
play is chock full of fascinating southern characters as well as a smoldering
racial tension that bristles throughout.
When two
red neck boys are brought to trial after having shattered the life of a 10 year
old black girl, the stage is set for a confrontation of bigotry and rage as the
girl’s father seeks vengeance for their heinous act.
Esteemed
director Bernie Cardell has assembled a superb cast that delivers a gripping
evening of theatre that rivets.
Robert Lee
Hardy portrays the father of the victim with smoldering rage.
As Jake
Brigance, the lawyer for the defense, Drew Hirschboeck gives an engaging and memorable
portrayal. His nuanced closing statement to the jury will touch you deeply.
Perry Lewis
is outstanding in his performance as the prosecuting attorney, Rufus Buckley.
Miranda
Byers charms as a precocious intern who assists Brigance.
Linda
Suttle turns in her best performance to date as Judge Olga Noose.
Cris
Davenport , Emily Tuckman and Claude Diener make the supporting cast shine.
The
realistic courtroom set, created by Eric R. Perez is enhanced by Jeremiah
Miller’s excellent lighting design. Luke Rahmsdorff-Terry’s effective sound
design bridges the scenes with gospel and blues.
Vintage Theatre presents
“A Time to Kill”
April 7-May 21
Fri/Sat at 7:30 p.m.; Sun. at 2:30 p.m.
Monday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m; No performance on April 16
Tickets are $24 - $30
Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010.