Harper Lee’s Pulitzer-prize winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, is celebrating its 50th anniversary next year.

The moving story of small town lawyer Atticus Finch was scripted for the stage in 1970 by Christopher Sergel, and is being given a powerful, shortened production at Warren’s Second Story Theatre.

Directed by Mark Peckham, who did such a fine job with 2nd Story’s “Orpheus Descending” last year, Mockingbird is presented in the round with a large cast that includes three delightful child actors.

Set in Alabama in 1935, the story follows Atticus Finch (Vince Petronio) as he takes on the unpopular job of defending a falsely accused black man accused of raping a white girl.

The scene is set in the first act, where we meet Scout (Margaret Durning) and Jem, (Evan Kinnane) the widowed Atticus’ young children, and their new friend, Dill (Arek Schneyer), who are unwitting observers to the prejudice and violence that surrounds them. We’ve seen the talented young Kinnane before at 2nd Story, and marvel at his steady progress as an accomplished actor.

Peckham said that he auditioned over 10 girls for the role of Scout and chose Margaret Durning for the natural talent she displays on stage. Keep your eye on this young lady. She is a joy to watch whenever she is on stage, whether speaking or observing what is going on around her.

Petronio plays perfectly off the three children…not an easy task. Remember what W.C. Fields said about never taking the stage with children or animals. He has his southern accent down perfectly, and he will move you with his courtroom summary.

The small stage doubles as Finch’s front yard and the courtroom, with Paula Faber in the role of Maudie, moving the story along and filling in the gaps, keeping the adaptation under two hours with a brief intermission.

F. William Oakes has had a few bizarre roles over the years and proves he is one of the best character actors in Rhode Island with his chilling portrayal of Bob Ewell, the accusing girl’s father. Amy Thompson, well over the age to vote who has made a career playing young girls (You may remember her in “The Miracle Worker), plays his 19-year-old daughter.

The fast-paced first act ends with a quick change of props and the judge (Walter Cotter) calling his first witness before declaring a 15-minute recess (intermission time).

The second act takes place in the courtroom, with Atticus uncovering many holes in the testimonies of the “victim” and her crazed father. Atticus calls the accused black man (Jona Cedeno) to the stand, where he gives his testimony, with the angry, prejudiced townsfolk gathered around. If you have read the book or seen the movie, you know the verdict.

Faber’s Maudie and Atticus’ Petronio sum things up nicely, leaving the audience with some hope that times will change, and assured that this humble lawyer has maintained his honor and dignity…and that the young children will be the hope for social change and justice in the future.

Word of mouth has already moved Artistic Director Ed Shea to add another week to the schedule performance, where it will run through Dec. 20. Don’t miss this powerful, well-scripted, brilliantly acted and powerfully-directed play. Call 247-4200 for reservations.