For young activists, book lovers and thespians, one thing is true regarding Mary Moody’s latest production of “To Kill A Mockingbird”: It could not have come at a better time.

Between the injustice Tom Robinson faces in the courtroom and the release of Harper Lee’s mysterious second novel, “To Kill A Mockingbird” was a stunning production that will live on in the memories of those fortunate enough to have seen it.

Director Robert Tolaro has led his troupe into the flames of controversy and brilliance. 

Perhaps one of the most incredible elements of the play rests in its impeccable timeliness. 

Though “To Kill A Mockingbird” was originally written and published as a novel in 1960, Lee’s views on issues of race, justice and the human experience have held the test of time.

Actors in St. Edward’s rendition of “To Kill A Mockingbird” were mature yet fiery and their words and interpretation were tailored well to the issues of our times.

Marc Pouhé’s performance as Tom Robinson was a gentle reminder that the famous race relations debate in the United States remains just that, debated. 

Robinson’s anguish reflects all too well the state of St. Edward’s student body. 

Civil rights activism is alive and well on this campus as evidenced by strong numbers of students attending events like the Austin Black Lives Matter rally in September.

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, the play was also enhanced by the recent controversy that occurred this past spring when a debatably senile 89-year-old Harper Lee published “Go Set A Watchman.”

Because the release was half a century after “To Kill A Mockingbird,” many individuals in the book-loving community were outraged, if not skeptical. 

Children of all ages flipped through The New York Times, The Washington Post and online public forums, searching for the truth behind the mysteriously authored follow-up novel.

In a way, St. Edward’s rendition of “To Kill A Mockingbird” laid the disturbing inquiries around Lee’s latest novel to rest. 

Tolaro was careful to preserve her work, and by doing so his production of  “To Kill A Mockingbird” flourished.

For St. Edward’s thespians, for our performers who we are all so proud of, it was a pleasure to witness Frankie Guidone as Jem, Colleen McCool as Miss Stephanie, Jordan Mersberger as Heck Tate, Maureen Fenninger as Mayella Ewell and Natalie Crane as Maudie.

These women and men truly dove deeply into the human psyche, channeling some of the best American writing there is. 

Our actors are talented and full of heart and their partners behind the stage, perhaps even more so. 

Between the music and the lighting, the audience was overwhelmed with what could only be described as the wit of young minds and a set fit for the minimalist artist.

One of the stand outs on stage, Rachel Powers’ portrayal of Scout transcends time for me.

Every time I read the book I continue to believe I’ll grow out of my similarities with Scout, but as Powers gently reminded me, I never will.

Thirteen-year-old me has just as much naivete, hyperactivity and drive to complete the unending quest for truth as nineteen-year-old me. 

To remember the child in us, the creativity and joy, is no small feat.

Genuine theater is the still point of a turning world. I say this as someone who loves a good show but can’t act worth a damn.

I saw St. Edward’s latest production twice, once at a non-stop dress rehearsal the first time it was performed, and the second time at the final run through. 

In each version, the actors fell into their roles like a second skin. 

Across the board, there’s something to be said of that consistency of charm and suave.

Once again at Moody theater, something great has happened, a collection of iridescent souls spilling themselves for all to see — and it’s not the glittering Austin skyline.

So although “To Kill A Mockingbird”  has ended after weeks of shows, as all shows do, I look forward to St. Edward’s next production, “The Government Inspector,” directed by Michelle Polgar, which will run Feb. 11-21. 

Rest assured, on Jan. 21 I’ll be one of the first to reserve my tickets and with any luck, be blown away again by the artists of the stage dwelling among us.