For a long while, To Kill a Mockingbird had to make do with simply being one of the best-loved books in the English language. And then along came Aaron Sorkin, who adapted the bestselling novel by Harper Lee for the Broadway stage in a production that opened in 2018 and proceeded to break box office records and earn nominations for nine Tony Awards.
Recently, a group of new cast members—including Ed Harris, Eliza Scanlen, and Taylor Trensch—joined the show, giving a shot of fresh energy to a play that’s still performing to a packed house. Another new arrival is Nick Robinson (you know him from Love, Simon and Native Son), who’s playing Jem Finch, a young man who, along with his sister Scout, finds his world turned upside down one summer when his lawyer father, Atticus, takes a case that will impact them all forever.
“I grew up with the material, I read the book in middle school, my first dog’s name was Scout, and I played Jem in an adaptation in Seattle,” Robinson tells T&C. “At the time, Bartlett Sher, who’s our director now, was the artistic director. So, the lure of having this full-circle moment 12 years later was really something. “
Exactly why are most shows “dark” on Mondays? It’s said to harken back to the loosening of blue laws in the 1970s when businesses were finally allowed to open on Sundays and Monday became Broadway’s day of rest. (Generally, a select few shows do perform on Monday.) Here, T&C talks to Robinson about his one day of freedom.
Where Can We Find You On Monday?
The ideal would be finding a balance between the play and real life. Sometimes, all I want to do on my days off is stay at home, cook, and watch a movie. I don’t do a ton of exploration outside the neighborhood. I’m living in Brooklyn, which I love. I found a great spot; it’s quiet and has some outdoor space. It’s a nice respite from New York. I love the city and working in Manhattan, but at the end of the day it’s nice to come home to what feels like a refuge.
Does Monday Start Sunday Night?
We’ve gone out a few times for drinks, but it doesn’t happen every Sunday. We’re in a new phase for the next couple of months—we’re doing five-show weekends—so I don’t know how it’ll all work out. Though, this Sunday there’s a party being planned at the theater.
My Mondays Are About…
I’m still trying to figure this out. Right now, my days off mean a lot of resting and sleeping in and doing all the things I haven’t been able to do during the week. I’m almost always getting ready for the next week.
Work out or hang out?
Definitely hang out. I just got Nintendo Switch, so I’ve been spending a lot of time on video games.
Cooking or Ordering In?
I like to cook. During the week, I’ll order in but on my days off I like to go grocery shopping and cook something. I make a lot of braised short ribs. I also hosted Thanksgiving this year—Taylor Trensch, who plays Dill in Mockingbird made a great vegan chocolate tart.
What's on TV?
I started Succession a bit late. I just finished season one, which was great.
Visiting the Theater District on a Day Off?
Times Square isn’t my first choice for a night out. There are some places downtown that I like. McSorley’s Ale House is great, and Veselka is open late—there’s nothing like a good pierogi after a show.
Adam Rathe is Town & Country's Deputy Features Director, covering arts and culture and a range of other subjects.
