'A Time to Kill' Review

It’s not often that a production can perfectly balance humor and drama.

VCU’s newest production A Time To Kill manages to fill you with emotions of anger and sadness, but also make you laugh at Raymond Hodges Theatre from now until Feb. 26.

The story takes place in a Mississippi courtroom and centers on an African-American man, Carl Lee Hailey, who finds himself on trial for the murder of two white men who beat and raped his 10-year-old daughter. As the passion-filled trial unfolds, a story of racial tension, crime and family is revealed. The story is based on John Grisham’s novel.

For most of the entire two hours, the play kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what the outcome of the trial would be. The actors and actresses greatly contributed to that with their high energy and ability to give your whole body the chills.

The whole story is primarily set in the courtroom and the production crew made good use of the space, turning it into other settings including the office of defense lawyer Jake Brigance, who was played by Trevor Craft. Craft’s theatrical skills and passion definitely stole the show as did the tragic romance between Carl Lee Hailey, played by Solomon Dixon, and his wife Gwen Hailey, who Shelby Marie Edwards played.

Although the play is filled with intensity, the comic relief makes it much more enjoyable. It’s a production I won’t be afraid to recommend to my friends and family.

Catch a performance Feb. 16 – 18, 23 – 25 at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 19 & 26 3:00 p.m.