Starkville Community Theatre will present productions of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” throughout the month of November.
Performances will take place Nov. 9 to 10, 12, and 14 to 19.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” tells the story of young Scout Finch and her brother Jem who are raised by their father, a lawyer named Atticus Finch, in 1930s Alabama.
Michele Crescenzo, who has been working with the cast and crew since rehearsals began in September, will direct the production. 
Crescenzo said this is her first Starkville Community Theatre production to direct, and has learned a lot throughout the process. She said she has focused on providing the play with a definitive sense of time and place.
“A lot of work has gone into the costumes to get that 1930s feel,” Crescenzo said. “The set is very abstract, so I want the costumes and props to be extremely realistic. I have a wonderful set designer, who will also be doing the lighting, and I am working to find music that fits the time period and mood of the piece.”
Sophie Haug, who will portray Scout Finch and is the youngest cast member, said this is her first Starkville Community Theatre production.
“My mother and father had read the book,” Haug said. “They told me there was going to be this play, and I thought, ‘I have got to be in this.’” 
Simon Banzhaf, who will be portray Jem Finch, said “To Kill a Mockingbird” is one of his favorite books, and he is excited to be a part of the play. 
“It was actually a teacher who let me know about auditions,” Banzhaf said. “For me, it is chance to get back into theatre. Until about sixth grade, I had always tried out for any theatre opportunity I could get, so this is just an opportunity to get back into the theatre.” 
Haug said she has a hard time choosing what is most exciting about this experience.
“There is a lot of exciting stuff,” Haug said. “I like learning about how to properly do things on stage, like how to project, focus and all of the things you need to know for it.”
Banzhaf and Haug said they have enjoyed working with a cast with a large age range. 
“You get a chance to interact, find and meet these very interesting people of all ages,” Banzhaf said. “I have been able to grow a friendship with someone else my age, but at the same time, I have been able to talk with some of the older cast members. I have really enjoyed it.” 
Haug said she enjoys working with cast members who have acting experience.
“I like learning tips and tricks from other people who are probably better at acting,” Haug said. 
Crescenzo said the public should expect to see a classic story reimagined and brought to life.
“They will get a story they know really well with maybe a new approach or something new added to it,” Crescenzo said.