In honor of Black History Month, Harper Lee’s controversial story of hate, fear, and injustice comes to life on the stage in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Life in a Depression-era Southern town is hard for young tomboy Scout and her older brother Jem. While their neighbors value ignorance and hate, Scout and Jem’s liberal father, Atticus, strives to teach his children otherwise. Atticus, a lawyer, does not shrink from fighting injustice in the courtroom. When the town learns of Atticus’s decision to defend a black man accused of raping a white woman, the family must endure vicious gossip and threats. Jem and Scout’s naive understanding of life is shattered as they witness for themselves the intolerance of their own town.

George W. Manus Jr. and the Patterson Park Players have clearly worked hard to do this classic story justice.

“This is an amazing cast. I can’t say enough good things about them,” Manus said.

The portrayals of Harper Lee’s small-town characters are filled with personality and enthusiasm: a simple but kind-hearted sheriff (Robert McAdams), a tomboy and her brother in bare feet and overalls (Kaylie Hackett and Wolfgang Boehm), an upright lawyer (David Cummings), the humble accused (Anton Minter), and a vindictive drunken redneck (Jerry Bailey).

The play will run Feb. 9 – 11 and 16 – 18 with nightly shows at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. at the Theatre at Patterson Park, located at 521 Mercury Blvd. For more info call (615) 893-7439.