Mockingbird Turns 50

If you’ve never read Harper Lee’s iconic Southern novel, “To Kill A Mockingbird,” there’s no better time than now. As the book marks its 50th anniversary this year, cities and towns all over America are celebrating with readings, theater reproductions and events. Needless to say, the Deep South is on board (Harper Lee hails from Alabama) and no matter where you live, there’s probably a “Mockingbird” event near you.

See our list below, and tell us if we left out your town. And as a primer, check the book out at your local library or at least watch the 1962 Academy Award-winning movie, starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch. You’ll then be able to join in the discussion on “To Kill a Mockingbird’s” official Facebook page.

Louisiana

Notre Dame High School Drama Club performs the classic. March 12-14, Grand Opera House of the South, Crowley.

Tennessee Williams Festival in New Orleans will focus on the novel in its Breakfast Book Club discussion, moderated by Barton Palmer, who wrote a book on the film. March 27, 8 a.m., Muriel’s Jackson Square Restaurant, New Orleans.

Alabama

“A Day in Maycomb” will be held at the Old Courthouse Museum & Downtown Square in Harper Lee’s hometown of Monroeville. Guided tours of the museum’s three permanent exhibits will be offered. On May 14, Mary Badham, who played Scout in the movie, will be present. April 6-7 & May 14, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Monroeville.

Performances for school children studying the novel. April 13-14 & 20-21, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Old Courthouse Museum, Monroeville.

Harper Lee’s hometown of Monroeville stages a production of her book every year, performed by local theater group, the Mockingbird Players. April 23, 29-30 & May 1-2, 6-9, 13-16 & 20-22, Old Courthouse Museum, Downtown Square, Monroeville.

The 13th annual Alabama Writers Symposium will celebrate the anniversary and present the Harper Lee Award for the state’s Distinguished Writer. April 29-May 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monroeville.

Mary Badham, who played Scout in the movie, will tell stories of Hollywood, race relations and her life since the film. The Old Courthouse Museum will be open, and a walking tour brochure of notable sites around the area provided. May 15, 1-3 p.m., Old Courthouse Museum, Monroeville.

Citizens of Monroeville share their life stories in a seminar for teachers and the public. July 14, 9 a.m.-noon, Old Courthouse Museum, Monroeville.

Georgia

Public performances of “Sneetches and Other Stories,” inspired by the book will be presented by TLAC Improv Troupe. March 2, 10, 13-15, 17, 20, 25 & 27th, Towne Lake Arts Center, Woodstock. (An art show will also be held March 5 and a Teen Mystery Party March 6 at the center.)

The film version of “To Kill A Mockingbird” will be shown, with an introduction by Mary Badham, who played Scout. March 5, 7-10 p.m., University of West Georgia Education Center, Carrolton.

Dr. Steve Goodson from the history department of the University of West Georgia will discuss the life and culture in Alabama during the 1930s. March 7, 2:30-4 p.m., Neva Lomason Memorial Library, Carrolton.

The Towne Lake Players present the stage adaptation of the novel, and those who read the book and complete the Atticus Finch subpoena to appear get a free seat! March 9, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 23, 25 & 26, Towne Lake Arts Center, Woodstock.

Author of “Mockingbird: A Biography of Harper Lee” Charles Shields will speak about the book and its author. March 14, 2:30-4 p.m., 710 Rome St., Carrollton.

A public book discussion will be held, and books are available by calling 770-854-7323. March 16, 6-7:30 p.m., Ephesus Public Library, Roopville.