Joe Pallister Talks “To Kill A Mockingbird” at The Suffolk

A wonderful production of To Kill a Mockingbird is being produced in Riverhead. This classic play is an important piece of American literature. Many know of Gregory Peck’s performance as Atticus Finch in the movie. East End icon, Matthew Conlon, is performing the role of Atticus Finch on stage. The show is being produced at The Suffolk, located at 118 East Main Street in Riverhead.

The production is being presented under the umbrella of “Live Edition,” the new flagship educational program that invites students from across Long Island to see live productions of material studied in schools, followed by informative talkbacks after each performance. The goal for this program is to offer unique and enriching educational experiences for students at all grade levels. Each production will also include evening performances, allowing all to enjoy great literature and personalities brought to the stage. The show runs till Sunday, April 26th.

A quick review of To Kill a Mockingbird follows a young girl named Scout Finch as she grows up in a Southern town. The play was written by Harper Lee in 1935 when parts of the country, especially the South, were divided by prejudice. Scout’s father is the noted lawyer Atticus Finch, who defends a Black man falsely accused of a terrible crime.

As the trial unfolds, through Scout’s eyes, the audience witnesses both the cruelty of injustice and the quiet power of moral courage. The audience also encounters the mystery surrounding a reclusive neighbor, the tensions of a community on edge, and the lessons that shape her understanding of right and wrong. This stage adaptation brings Harper Lee’s enduring story to life with emotional depth, humanity, and hope.

East End icon Joe Pallister is playing the role of Bob Ewell. He was kind enough to answer some questions about this production of To Kill A Mockingbird.

You have a history with classic plays. How would you describe bringing this role to life?

JP: I play Bob Ewell. On weekdays, we’ve been doing student shows, followed by talkbacks, and a question I always get is: “How do you play someone so evil?” And my answer is that Bob Ewell does not think he is evil – Bob Ewell thinks he is right. 

Why do you think it is important to do this show at this time?

JP: Unfortunately, this show’s theme continues to be relevant today. 1935 wasn’t so long ago, but it should be long enough for us to know better and to be better towards one another.

What did you learn by bringing this play back to life?

JP: I’ve learned that we still have a long way to go.

Talk about your director and cast?

JP: The play is directed by Joe Minutillo, with whom I have had the pleasure to work at Bay Street on several occasions – Of Mice and Men, The Diary of Anne Frank, and To Kill A Mockingbird (in which I also portrayed Bob Ewell).

The cast is simply wonderful. Given the weight of this piece, we make sure to check in with each other, and to maintain a safe space for everyone.

I just have to say that Jerome Foster Lewis as Tom Robinson is a force to be reckoned with. His performance is powerful, yet so very vulnerable and moving. The whole cast is incredibly talented. It is an honor to share the stage and the overall experience with each and every one of them.”

For tickets, click here.