INHERIT THE WIND REIGNS TRUE TODAY
In 1925 teacher John T. Scopes went on trial in Dayton, Tennessee for teaching Darwin’s Theory of Evolution to his students. Chicago’s WGN radio broadcasted the trial across the nation.
In 1955, writers Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee wrote the play “Inherit the Wind to fictionalize the Scopes trial.
In 2024, The Goodman Theatre has, under the direction of Hert Godinez and the skills of some of the most talented actors in the nation, has mounted an iconic production of “Inherit the Wind” that is worthy of seeing more than once.
The show begins with Bertram Cates (Christopher Llewyn Ramirez) in jail for teaching Darwin’s Theory of Evolution to his students. It’s not that he believes it over the Bible but uses it as an educational tool. He is having a secret relationship with fellow teacher Rachel Brown (Tyler Meredith) who happens to be the strict, unbending Reverend Jeremiah Brown’s (Ryan Ketley) daughter.
Two of the nation’s top lawyers are brought in to try this case. For the Bible belt and townspeople is Matthew Harrison Brady (Alexander Gemignani). He is the Messiah who everything but the one thing he wants, is the presidency of the United States. Representing Bert Cates and the right to teach subject matter in the schools is Henry Drummond (Harry Lennix). Is he an atheist or has he been able to meld both philosophies into his life and beliefs?
The action on the stage is electrifying. The exchanges between Alexander Gemignani and Harry Lennix extend the range of emotions and moves as a fine game of chess.
The supporting cast is just as intense as well as bringing the right amount of humor to the production. Some standouts are Thomas Murphy Molony and Howard. The young boy who introduces us to the town and throughout the play, through small gestures and expressions, gives us a hint of what the future for this town will hold. Tyler Meredith brings Rachel Brown to life as the loving yet very scared and torn young woman who is under her father’s thumb. The Reverend Brown is just scary and mean.
I hadn’t seen “Inherit the Wind” in many years but sitting in the Goodman Theatre watching this fantastic production, I don’t think it escaped anyone how the times have not changed. It’s gone from Darwin’s theory to not allowing books on Black history to be taught in schools in 2024. Free thought or discussions are not allowed in our education system.
Inherit the Wind is one of the best productions I have seen this year. It gets 5 out of 5 winks of the EYE!