The Little Theatre of Alexandria

Meet cast member Jack Kearney who is playing Jem Finch in LTA's To Kill a Mockingbird. Tell us about your character.  What single word would use to describe him? Jem is the son of a small southern town lawyer.  Adventurous is the word I would use to describe him. What have you learned about yourself in playing the role of Jem? I have learned what life was like in those times and how to really be engaged in acting. What were some of the challenges you faced while working on this show? It was hard learning the southern accent and memorizing the lines. What do you hope the audience takes away from this show? I hope the audience experiences how life was like in the 1930's. How does this show differ from other shows you have worked on? I've only been in musicals before.  This is the first time being in a drama. How long have you been acting?  How did you get involved with LTA? After signing in the church children's choir, I auditioned for The Sound of Mus

Tell us a little bit about your character. What single word would you use to describe him/her?  Early in the show, Jean Louise refers to Miss Stephanie as the “neighborhood scold,” but I prefer to think of her as a busybody. She always has her nose in everyone else’s business, so in her mind, she knows better than anyone how things really are in Maycomb--and she isn’t shy about letting everyone know it! What were some of the challenges for you in working on this piece? Figuring out how to interpret my character was a bit tricky because her lines actually come from two characters in the book--not only Stephanie Crawford, the Finches’ neighbor, but also Aunt Alexandra, Atticus Finch’s sister. Frank really wanted us to draw on the book to flesh out our portrayals, so I’ve tried to meld the traits of the two characters together into a composite person who essentially embodies the status quo in Maycomb. Also, my preparation time is limited because I’m home with my two young boys

Meet Bill Brekke who is in the ensemble in LTA's To Kill a Mockingbird . Tell us a little bit about your character. I am a member of the mob and also the court clerk.  I am also helping as an accent coach What single word would you use to describe him/her? Angry for one and attentive for the other. What were some of the challenges for you in working on this piece? They are pretty easy roles, but there are no small parts, only small actors. The southern accent was easy for me.  As the accent coach, trying to identify and bring in authenticity without suggesting things that would create a distraction from the actor's feeling the role and without introducing sounds the audience would not clearly understand. What do you hope the audience experiences/takes away from this show? I heard one time that in Shakespeare's day many people wanted to hang actors because they thought they were possessed by spirits. That's the felling I want for them.

Meet Erin Gallalee who is playing Maudie Atkinson in LTA's To Kill a Mockingbird . Tell us about your character.  What single word would you use to describe her? My single word would be strong.  Maudie is the neighbor to the Finch family.  She loves life and teh simple beauty in the world around her.  She is a friend to the children and doesn't "protect" them from the world as many adults would instinctively do, but encourages them to think bigger than their own perspective; similar to the lessons they already get from their father.  There are a lot of important things happening throughout the story that the children observe and she doesn't waste any opportunity to help answer the tough questions they have and gently challenges them to think about and process what they are seeing and hearing around them. What were some challenges you faced in working on this piece ? I always fee a little more pressure when performing either a well known play or one based on

Meet Nycole Bell who is playing Helen Robinson in LTA's To Kill a Mockingbird . Tell me a little bit about your character. Helen Robinson is the devoted mother of three and wife to Tom Robinson doing her best to care for the family while her husband stands trial.  What single word would you use to describe him/her? Trainwreck. What were some of the challenges for you in working on this piece? Breaking in and out of character was a challenge. Helen's character and story resonated so heavily with me that in some rehearsals I fought back tears.  What do you hope the audience experiences/takes away from this show? I'd like the audience to remember that racism and classism are real and still exist even today.  The difference today is based on subtlety.  How does this show differ from other shows you’ve worked on? This is my first! I'll get back to you on my second show. How long have you been acting and what made you get involved i