Dream Cast: The West Wing Stars Take On Broadway's To Kill a Mockingbird

We’re hoping the whole Bartlet staff will be free for Aaron Sorkin’s new stage adaptation of Harper Lee’s classic novel.

With To Kill a Mockingbird heading to Broadway, we got to thinking whom we'd like to see take on the critical roles in Aaron Sorkin's new adaptation of Harper Lee's beloved novel. Obviously, there are three Broadway kids destined to play Scout, Jem, and Dill. And obviously, those kids are sibling stars Sydney and Jake Lucas and Sydney's former onstage sibling Oscar Williams of Fun Home, respectively. Now that that's out of the way, we can begin casting the adult roles. And who better to take them on than the cast of Sorkin's seminal political drama The West Wing? Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc, amiright?


Atticus — Martin Sheen (President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet)

Martin Sheen as President Jed Bartlet.
Martin Sheen as President Jed Bartlet.

As President Bartlet, Martin Sheen became an expert at holding court. We don't think Sorkin will be writing Atticus any Latin speeches for his Broadway debut, but the ones he does write will certainly be filled with the Bartlet ideals of justice and equality for all. #LetAtticusBeAtticus


Aunt Alexandra — Allison Janney (C.J. Cregg)

Allison Janney as C.J. Cregg.
Allison Janney as C.J. Cregg.

Like Atticus' older sister, C.J. is unafraid to take charge of a room, spouting her opinions to anyone willing (or unwilling) to listen. While we don't expect the buttoned-up and imposing Aunt Alexandra to be doing the Jackal anytime soon, Sorkin still has time to work Janney's hidden talent into the script.


Arthur "Boo" Radley — Richard Schiff (Toby Ziegler)

Richard Schiff as Toby Ziegler.
Richard Schiff as Toby Ziegler.

As the misanthropist Toby Ziegler, Schiff has "lovably aloof" down to a science. He'll put that well-honed persona to good use as Boo Radley, the town recluse who expresses his contact-free affection by leaving gifts in trees. We feel confident that this casting won't "tempt the wrath of the whatever from high atop the thing."


Tom Robinson — Dulé Hill (Charlie Young)

Dulé Hill as Charlie Young.
Dulé Hill as Charlie Young.

Wouldn't you love to see President Bartlet working in tandem with Charlie again? Like Tom, the Presidential Aide fought battles with radical racism, surviving an assassination attempt his first season. Of course, the West Wing was a more supportive environment than the 1930s Deep South, so things worked out much better for Charlie.


Bob Ewell — Bradley Whitford (Josh Lyman)

Bradley Whitford as Josh Lyman.
Bradley Whitford as Josh Lyman.

While Josh Lyman drinks from "the keg of glory," Bob Ewell drinks from the keg of…alcohol. But whether drunk power or moonshine, both are egotistical to a fault. Sadly, Lyman is the most charming person on Bartlet's staff, but we have faith he can tone down his charisma to play an old dirty racist.


Calpurnia — Anna Deavere Smith (Nancy McNally)

Anna Deavere Smith as Dr. Nancy McNally.
Anna Deavere Smith as Dr. Nancy McNally.

If you think of a Situation Room scene from The West Wing, the first image that's likely to come to mind is that of Anna Deavere Smith kicking ass and taking names as National Security Advisor Nancy McNally. Calpurnia's domain is not quite as expansive, but those under her care feel just as safe.


Mayella Ewell — Elisabeth Moss (Zoey Bartlet)

Elisabeth Moss as Zoey Bartlet.
Elisabeth Moss as Zoey Bartlet.

In To Kill a Mockingbird, a traumatic incident involving Mayella Ewell sets the story in motion — as do all of the bad things (kidnapping, etc.) that happen to First Daughter Zoey Bartlet whenever The West Wing's plot gets thin. Plus, The Heidi Chronicles closed too soon, and we just want Elisabeth Moss back on Broadway.


Miss Maudie Atkinson — Stockard Channing (Dr. Abbey Bartlet)

Stockard Channing as Dr. Abbey Bartlet.
Stockard Channing as Dr. Abbey Bartlet.

Maudie may not be the First Lady in Atticus' life (Scout holds that distinction), but she is his kindred spirit in Maycomb with her progressive views of justice and civil rights. And as a doctor, Abbey Bartlet would definitely champion Maudie's save-the-mockingbirds cause. #DoNoHarm.


Miss Caroline Fisher — Janel Moloney (Donna Moss)

Janel Moloney as Donna Moss.
Janel Moloney as Donna Moss.

Donna Moss, senior assistant to White House Deputy Chief of Staff (or as she likes to call herself, the "Deputy Deputy Chief of Staff") spends her days keeping the narcissistic Josh Lyman in line. She could definitely take on a classroom full of racist first-graders. However, the emotional vulnerability that Donna and Miss Fisher share means there will be at least a few tears when a particularly bratty youngster goes off the rails.