Modern Muse Theatre Company’s opening production for its first full season could hardly be more timely, this being the 80th anniversary of the Scopes Monkey Trial and the 50th anniversary of the original Broadway production of “Inherit the Wind.” Add to that the current feverish debate over the teaching of creationism, or its newest incarnation, intelligent design, in public schools.
Given these circumstances, and the overall excellence of this production, the company is certainly making good on its commitment to “presenting powerful, passionate and pertinent work that serves as a catalyst for dialogue and change.”
From the opening scene, a beautifully rendered depiction of the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden that director Stephen Lavezza uses as a creative preface to the actual script, it’s clear this is something special.
In addition to a star-studded cast, Lavezza has infused this classic courtroom drama with moving renditions of gospel tunes that capture the spirit of the townsfolk of Hillsboro, Tenn., as they rally around nationally renowned politician and religious orator Matthew Harrison Brady (modeled on William Jennings Bryan, the three-time presidential nominee).
By the time Brady arrives onstage, the incarceration of Bert Cates (a fictional stand-in for John T. Scopes, the teacher who challenged the state law), his romantic relationship with the local preacher’s daughter, Rachel, and the carnival atmosphere of the trial have been firmly established.
The main focus of the drama, however, is in the courtroom, where Brady and Henry Drummond (modeled on noted defense counsel Clarence Darrow) go at it over jury selection, admissible evidence, and the Bible versus Charles Darwin’s “The Origin of Species.”
Louis Schaefer (Brady) and William Denis (Drummond) put on a great show, with Schaefer oozing rhetorical eloquence and Denis counterpunching with deft logic and hard facts. It climaxes with Drummond putting Brady on the witness stand and landing a number of blows that remain pertinent today.
When Brady responds to one of Drummond’s queries by saying he “never will” read Darwin’s book, Drummond asks, “Then how in perdition do you have the gall to whoop up this holy war against something you don’t know anything about? ”
Paralleling the philosophical debate at the heart of the story is the dynamic between Cates (Josh Hartwell) and Rachel (Kelly Burke). Burke is heart-wrenching as her character is torn between the
hellfire-and-brimstone teachings of her father, the Rev. Brown (Paul Page), and her affection for Cates. Hartwell is stoic yet affectionate as the principled 24-year-old high school biology teacher.
Page’s delivery of the reverend’s prayer meeting, punctuated by well-timed call-outs, is so extraordinarily searing, culminating in the striking of his own daughter, we find it entirely realistic that Brady, of all people, cautions him, “He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind” (Proverbs, 11:29).
Finally, the historical setting of the piece is broadened by cynical reporter E.K. Hornbeck (representing H.L. Mencken). Matt Sheahan hits all the right notes in bringing alive the noted journalist and social critic.
Though the case against Scopes was dismissed by a technicality on appeal, the debate remains a political hot potato, as President Bush’s recent remarks calling for “both sides … to be properly taught,” and public reaction clearly indicate.
Bob Bows reviews theater for KUVO/89.3 FM, at ColoradoDrama.com and for Variety. He can be reached at BBows@ColoradoDrama.com.
***1/2 | “Inherit the Wind”
COURTROOM DRAMA|Modern Muse Theatre Company at the Bug Theatre, 3654 Navajo St.|Written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee|Directed by Stephen Lavezza|Starring Louis Schaefer, William Denis, Kelly Burke, Paul Page, Josh Hartwell and Matt Sheahan|THROUGH SEPT. 18|8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sundays|2 hours, 20 minutes|$12-$20|303-780-7836.
