Powerful themes, a professional performance and new-to-The-Suffolk entertainment will be on display this weekend.
The Suffolk (118 E. Main Street, Riverhead, 631-727-4343) presents the classic “To Kill a Mockingbird” on April 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 with Friday and Saturday shows at 8 p.m. and Sunday shows at 2 p.m.
The play, based on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, tells the story of a young girl, Scout Finch, as she witnesses prejudice, the cruelty of injustice and the power of moral courage while her father, Atticus Finch, defends Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of a terrible crime.
Dramatized by Christopher Sergel, the show is directed by Joe Minutillo who has an extensive directing background in public schools and other theaters throughout New York.
“The show is timeless in the sense that it still speaks to issues that we have today,” says Minutillo. “Prejudice, justice, moral courage and the responsibility to see another’s humanity. I think during any time in history, you’ll find that the thoughts and the issues apply.”
Last March, Minutillo directed “12 Angry Men” at The Suffolk, the first play put on at the theater since it opened in 1933. Being that it was built as a movie house and adapted to a performance and live music venue, it took changing lighting and sound to make it suitable for a play.
Minutillo knew executive director Gary Hygom, who comes from a strong theater background, would add that to The Suffolk repertoire eventually.
“I’ve known Gary for a long time and it was only a matter of time before he would be twitching to do a play,” says Minutillo.
The show features a cast full of professional actors and actresses, students and some return stars from The Suffolks production of “12 Angry Men.” (Photo credit: Phil Merritt)
Minutillo says Sonnie Betts who will play character Scout is a “rockstar.” Matthew Conlon who’s playing the role of Atticus Finch and Jerome Foster Lewis playing Tom Robinson both acted in “12 Angry Men” and happily returned to put on the 2026 show.
Hygom is on scenic design with costume design by Teresa LeBrun, lighting by Rob Virzera, sound and projection design by Meg Sexton and stage management by Keira Ballan.
With the slew of professional performers and others from acclaimed theater schools, the 1 hour 45-minute performance is not to be missed, nor are the Q&A talkbacks after the show.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” — and Atticus especially — remind us that doing what’s right is not always popular and is not easy or safe,” says Minutillo. “That character teaches us about integrity. The children in the show teach us that it’s just as important to realize that hatred and bias are learned, so empathy needs to be taught.”
To buy your tickets, click here. Note that The Suffolk bar will be open before the play but the kitchen and bar are closed during the event.
