New York judge sets June ‘Mockingbird’ trial date, if Alabama judge allows it
A New York judge says she’ll preside over a June trial over the disputed Broadway production of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” if an Alabama judge allows it. Judge Analisa Torres set a June 4 trial date Monday. She says the trial will occur if an Alabama judge concludes New York is the right venue to resolve the dispute between the production’s producer and the late author’s estate. Lee’s estate sued in Alabama federal court in March, arguing screenwriter Aaron Sorkin’s script wrongly alters Atticus Finch, a noble attorney, and other book characters. Scott Rudin’s production company, Rudinplay, countersued in New York in April, demanding $10 million in damages. A 2015 contract says the play, due to open in December, won’t deviate from the spirit of Lee’s novel. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Harper Lee lawyer seeks to block suit over ‘Mockingbird’ production
A lawyer for the estate of Harper Lee is trying to halt a lawsuit filed by a producer who plans to stage a Broadway production of the writer’s classic “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Court records show Lee attorney Tonja Carter on Tuesday asked a federal court in Alabama to block a federal lawsuit filed last week in New York by producer Scott Rudin’s company, Rudinplay. Carter filed a lawsuit last month that contends writer Aaron Sorkin’s script for a stage adaptation of “Mockingbird” set to open in December alters characters in Lee’s book, counter to a contract with the estate. Rudinplay is seeking $10 million from Lee’s estate and threatening to cancel the play. Carter contends the company’s lawsuit concerns the same issues covered by her suit and should be blocked. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ Broadway production company countersues Harper Lee’s estate
In a courtroom drama as fascinating as the novel itself — things are once again heating up surrounding the production of the upcoming Broadway adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The production company for the show is fighting back against a lawsuit brought forth last month by the estate of the late Alabama author Harper Lee, who wrote the beloved 1960 novel, by introducing a countersuit. Hollywood producer Scott Rudin’s production company Rudinplay filed a $10 million countersuit on Monday against the estate for damages, threatening to cancel the play scheduled to open in December. “Investors are not willing to invest millions of dollars when a cloud exits,” claims the lawsuit. The original suit alleged screenwriter Aaron Sorkin wrongly altered Atticus Finch and other characters from the book in the script, despite a clause in the contract stipulating that “the play shall not derogate or depart in any manner from the spirit of the novel nor alter its characters.” However, the firm that represents Rudin’s company said Sorkin’s script “is a faithful adaptation of a singular novel which has been crafted well within the constraints of the agreement executed by both Harper Lee and the play’s producers before Ms. Lee’s death. Monday’s lawsuit further argues, “The Agreement did not give Ms. Lee approval rights over the script of the Play, much less did it give her right to purport to edit individual lines of dialogue.”
Harper Lee’s estate sues over Broadway version of ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’
The upcoming Broadway adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird” has been hit with a lawsuit by the estate of the late Alabama author Harper Lee, who wrote the beloved 1960 novel. The federal lawsuit was filed in Alabama this week by the late author’s lawyer Tonja Carter against the theater company of New York producer Scott Rudin. It alleges screenwriter Aaron Sorkin wrongly altered Atticus Finch and other characters from the book in the script, despite a clause in the contract stipulating that “the play shall not derogate or depart in any manner from the spirit of the novel nor alter its characters.” The lawsuit states Atticus is “based on Ms Lee’s own father, a small-town Alabama lawyer who represented black defendants in a criminal trial”, and “is portrayed in the novel as a model of wisdom, integrity, and professionalism,” noting any shift from that, departs from the spirit of the novel, thus the suit asks a judge to enforce that portion of the contract. A firm that represents Rudin’s company said Sorkin’s script “is a faithful adaptation of a singular novel which has been crafted well within the constraints of the agreement executed by both Harper Lee and the play’s producers before Ms. Lee’s death. This action undertaken by the estate of Harper Lee is an unfortunate step in a situation where there is simply artistic disagreement over the creation of a play that Ms. Lee herself wanted to see produced, and is the kind of disagreement which one expects would be worked out easily between two parties who have a mutual interest in seeing a work produced.” The statement continued calling out the estate lawyer’s history litigious behavior. “The estate has an unfortunate history of litigious behavior and of both filing and being the recipient of numerous lawsuits, and has been the subject of considerable controversy surrounding its handling of the work of Harper Lee both during her illness and after her death. This is, unfortunately, simply another such lawsuit, the latest of many, and we believe that it is without merit. While we hope this gets resolved, if it does not, the suit will be vigorously defended,” the statement added. The play is set to open December 13.
‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ coming to Broadway
Famed Alabama author Harper Lee‘s influential American novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” is being brought to life on Broadway this season. The late author’s prized novel will be brought to life by Aaron Sorkin who is adapting the novel into a play. He will be joined by Bartlett Sher (“Oslo”) who will be directing the show, which co-produced by Scott Rudin and the Lincoln Center Theater. Sorkin’s version is being advertised as a “new play, based on” Lee’s novel. National television and movie star — who was also the star of Sorkin’s HBO Series, “The Newsroom” — Jeff Daniels will be portraying lawyer Atticus Finch. “We never talked about anybody but Jeff, from the very first conversation Aaron and I ever had about doing this together,” Rudin told The Washington Post. The novel, takes place in a depression-era southern town, the narrator, a girl nicknamed Scout, tells the story of a black man who has been wrongly accused of raping a white woman. Scouts father, the lawyer Finch, defends him despite threats and the scorn of many. The play comes at an optimal time in America. Although Lee’s novel celebrates the 58th anniversary of publication this July, it’s account of racial tension and frank discussion of rape and sexuality is still relevant in the lives of those in the American South today. The producers on Thursday identified other members of a the cast, including: Celia Keenan-Bolger (who’ll portray Scout); Stephen McKinley Henderson, Gideon Glick, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Frederick Weller, Will Pullen, Stark Sands, Dakin Matthews, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Phyllis Somerville and Liv Rooth. Adam Guettel will compose original music for the play; Ann Roth will design the costumes, and Miriam Buether will design the set. “We just finished two full labs of Aaron’s play, both directed by Bart, and both with this entire cast, It’s an extraordinarily rare occurrence that you can build a play on the people who will ultimately be in it…It’s a huge tribute to both Sorkin and Sher that everybody we asked to be in the production also cleared their schedules to jump into a very beefy lab process with us, especially so far in advance of the play’s production,” said Rudin. This is the first time Lee’s novel will be adapted and performed on Broadway, which The Washington Post called “an extreme rarity these days for the nation’s most prominent theatrical platform.” Performances will begin Nov. 1 at a theater to be announced.
Deal set to stage ‘Mockingbird’ play in Harper Lee’s Ala. hometown
Call it a Christmas miracle if you will — a deal has been reached to continue the annual stage play based on Harper Lee‘s classic novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” in the author’s hometown of Monroeville, Ala. Just weeks ago, it seemed that for the first time in 27 years a production of the treasured play was not going to happen in 2017 as organizers quarreled over how to proceed with the show in the wake of Lee’s passing in February. But now, Monroeville officials have confirmed to AL.com an agreement has been made to stage the place at the county’s historical courthouse, as it has been done in previous years. The annual production is an important tourist attraction to the southwest Alabama town, which is not only where Lee was raised but is also the setting of the landmark novel.
Harper Lee “would be extremely upset” with Donald Trump rhetoric, “Scout” says
The actress who portrayed the iconic role of Scout onscreen in Harper Lee‘s classic tale “To Kill A Mockingbird” decried the “inflammatory and divisive” rhetoric of Donald Trump, saying the late Lee would not have approved, either. “I think she would be extremely upset with some of our politicians who are not being realistic, and who are pulling this country apart,” said Mary Badham, who was 10 when she appeared as “Scout” with Oscar winner Gregory Peck in the 1962 film. The Pulitzer Prize-winning Lee, who passed away this past Friday at 89, became close to Badham in the final years of her life, she told WJCT. Badham will make a couple of North Florida appearances on Saturday (details below). She speaks regularly across the country about the book and film’s timeless themes of tolerance and compassion in the face of bigotry. “We’re a country made up of a lot of different kinds of people, and that’s part of what makes us very strong. We have to learn to come together as a country, and not listen to racism and bigotry. It’s sad for me because we’ve come so far, and yet there are still some of us who are stuck in the Dark Ages. And I don’t want to go back there.” “This is not just a black-and-white, 1930’s race issue. This is global. This is bigotry and racism in all its forms. We have to fight against that continually. The crux of that is education. If we fail to educate our population, then ignorance takes over. “I’m just hoping the American public will do their homework in this next election, and really pay attention to the ugliness that’s happening in our political situation, and try to go for the high road. We’ve never been in a more dangerous situation than we are right now. “I’m thinking mostly of Donald Trump. He is so inflammatory and so divisive, he would not be good for this country.” Badham will appear 10 a.m. Saturday in Balis Park and the San Marco Bookstore, where there will be book signings for “To Kill A Mockingbird” and Lee’s 2015 release of “Go Set A Watchman.” The copies will be signed by both Badham and Harper Lee. Saturday evening, she’ll host a talk and screening of “Mockingbird” at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Both events are free.
Alabama politicians react to Yellowhammer native, “To Kill A Mockingbird” author Harper Lee’s death
Legendary “To Kill A Mockingbird” author, and Alabama native Harper Lee died Friday, at 89. Lee, who published “To Kill A Mockingbird” in 1960 and won the Pulitzer Prize for it in 1961, was reported dead by multiple sources in Monroeville, Alabama — the town where she grew up and later spent the second half of her life. Soon after the news broke politicians across the state took time to pay their respects. Here’s what they had to say: U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: Today I join Alabamians and all Americans in mourning the passing of Harper Lee. Ms. Lee’s ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ will live on as one of the most beloved, classic books in American history. Harper Lee was a true literary legend, and her work has impacted the lives of many. She will be deeply missed. U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01): We have lost an American and Alabama literary giant. Harper Lee, a native of Monroeville, inspired generations, and she will be sorely missed. U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04): Sorry to hear of the passing of Harper Lee. She was an Alabama treasure, and her literary legacy will live on. Gov. Robert Bentley: Today, we mourn the loss of Alabama’s treasured author Nelle Harper Lee. Harper Lee’s literary impact reaches far beyond the borders of our state and nation. “To Kill A Mockingbird” has impacted people around the word. It is because of Harper Lee that the world knows about her special hometown of Monroeville, which celebrated the launch of Lee’s second novel “Go Set A Watchman” last year. Harper Lee’s legacy will live on as we introduce Scout, Jem, Atticus and Lee’s beloved Macomb to future generations. I join Alabamians in praying for Harper Lee’s family and the City of Monroeville in the difficult days ahead. Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange: Alabama has lost a great lady today with the passing of Monroeville’s Nelle Harper Lee at the age of 89. More than 50 years after the publication of her landmark novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” her words are still read across the country and around the world. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and many friends.
Email insights: Tuesday is “Go Set a Watchman” Day in Alabama
In case you’ve been living under a rock Harper Lee’s second book, Go Set a Watchman, is coming out tomorrow. The governor is making sure it gets the credit and welcome it deserves by declaring Tuesday “Go Set a Watchman” Day” statewide. If you missed it here’s a great article from AL.Com on the way reflections of Lee’s first book To Kill a Mockingbird, which includes Birmingham Mayor William Bell’s thoughts on the book and its influence. The governor issued a statement Monday about his proclamation: “The release of “Go Set a Watchman” is an exciting time for our state,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “To join the national and international excitement surrounding the book, I have proclaimed Tuesday as “Go Set a Watchman” Day in our state. Harper Lee is a great source of pride for our state, and the literary mark she has left on our state and nation should be commended. I am honored to issue this proclamation in recognition of her second book being released.” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” published in July 1960, was Harper Lee’s first published novel. The novel focused on segregation, tolerance and the trial of a black man falsely accused of raping a young white woman during the Depression era in rural Alabama. The novel went on to become an international bestseller, and was adapted for the screen in 1962. Earning eight Academy Award nominations, the movie version of “To Kill a Mockingbird” won four awards, including Best Actor for Gregory Peck’s portrayal of Atticus Finch. To date, “To Kill a Mockingbird” has been translated into 40 languages. In 1997, by joint proclamation of the Legislature, Monroeville, Ala., was designated as the “Literary Capital of Alabama” because of its history to produce many famous writers. The state of Alabama has a diverse and rich literary heritage, and is home to several Alabama-born authors. Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell commented that the impact of Alabama authors is an important segment of the tourism economy. “Harper Lee and other authors whose stories are set in Alabama are responsible for attracting many visitors who want to experience the towns they read about. Literary tourism is a growing segment of our hospitality industry,” Sentell said. To download the full proclamation click here: Go-Set-a-Watchman-Day-Proclamation
Harper Lee among inductees for Alabama Writers Hall of Fame
Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird, is among the inaugural inductees to the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame. The 89-year-old Lee and 11 other writers are being honored as the hall’s first class Monday night in Tuscaloosa. The honor comes weeks before the release of Lee’s second book, Go Set a Watchman. It was finished before the Pulitzer Prize-winning Mockingbird but takes place 20 years later. Watchman again features Atticus Finch, Scout, and others from her first beloved novel about racial injustice in the Deep South. Lee’s agreement to release the book stunned the literary world. It was unclear whether Lee would attend Monday. The inductees who are still living are Lee, author Rick Bragg, poets Sonia Sanchez and Andrew Glaze, and novelist Sena Jeter Naslund. Posthumous inductees include Helen Keller and William March. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
