When a community puts a show like To Kill a Mockingbird it attracts all types. This couldn’t be more emphasized than by two actresses, Haley Yorkey and Tiffany Howard. In the stage production of “To Kill a Mockingbird” the main character is played by two different actresses. The younger Jean Louise Finch (aka Scout) is played by Haley Yorkey, while the adult Jean Louise is played by Tiffany Howard. The two actresses work across their years and range of experience to shape different versions of the same person. Director Heather McNeil has helped them develop this character who must seem similar to the audience but act differently, reflecting the different stages of the life of the character.
Howard, a native Texan, is a professional in the theatre who was brought into our community through her job as full time costumer for Merry Go Round Playhouse. In recent years, The Auburn Players have benefited from her involvement in several of our productions, most notably directing Dog Sees God and The Kentucky Cycle. Although Tiffany started her acting career much like Haley, in recent years she spends more time in the costume shop than on stage. This show marks her first appearance on stage in eleven years, and we are so happy she chose this show!
“I love that I have gotten to act, direct and design in theatre–it makes me truly appreciate all aspects of the trade. Once I came to MGR I was really only doing costumes (which I love!) but I did miss some of the other areas of theatre,” says Howard.
To close let’s hear from the actresses themselves about the show and their character, Jean Louis Finch:
From Haley:
I have been performing on the stage, since 4th Grade. But since I was little, I have been doing shows with my sisters in our living room for our parents. I watched the movie when I heard about the auditions and I really liked Scout. I am very excited to be in a professional show. The story is about some serious things and I think everyone will enjoy it. I just love the set and we have all worked hard so please come see the show!
From Tiffany:
I think she (Jean Louis) is the type of character that most strive to be as people: fair minded, loyal, full of love for her friends and family, and open to new ideas. I, like many people, was affected by the Trayvon Martin case, and more recently the Jordan Davis case. I do not believe in a society where we shoot first and ask questions only when under arrest. Every person deserves the opportunity to live a lawful life, including walking home from a convenience store or even playing very loud music. As a person in theatre, you don’t always have time (or desire) to get involved in politics (our hours are very crazy at times) so this show is my best way to reach out and give a voice to what I believe in, and maybe even one person will take a moment to see life through someone else’s eyes as a result.
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