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Inherit The Wind

A drama by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee

Directed by Gene Kato.

"Inherit the Wind" opens on a sweltering summer day in the town of Hillsboro. Bertram Cates, a young teacher, sits in the town's jail, awaiting trial. His alleged crime: reading a passage from Darwin's Origin of Species to his high school science class. His arrest has garnered national attention. Big city reporters flock to Hillsboro to cover the trial, which promises to provide great legal theater. The prosecution and the defense have rolled out the big guns to argue the case: "the dream teams" of the day.

On the prosecution's side is Matthew Harrison Brady, a famous orator and two-time candidate for president. Hillsboro offers him a hero's welcome with banners and song. On tap for the defense is the brilliant and controversial Henry Drummond. He's reviled by most in Hillsboro as "a vicious, godless man," in the words of the Rev. Brown, Hillsboro's de facto spiritual leader.

Most of the drama takes place in the courtroom, and there's no doubt that the story will eventually lead to a direct confrontation between two legal titans. Yet the play arrives at this confrontation with touches of humor and in ways we may least expect. As with any good courtroom drama there's some legal maneuvering. Brady seems to hold all the cards and we wonder if Drummond can possibly pull an ace from his sleeve. But Brady and Drummond aren't just hacks for opposing causes. There is plenty of humanity in them and a surprising connection between these two larger-than-life characters.

Although it's based on the 1925 trial in Dayton, Tenn., of John Scopes that pitted William Jennings Bryan against Clarence Darrow, playwrights Lawrence and Lee caution against treating "Inherit the Wind" as history. As all great drama, the play takes on a life of its own. The New York Times declared it "literature of the stage." The New York Post called it, "Brilliant... a colorful, picturesque and absorbing, exciting essay in dramatic Americana..." It opened on Broadway in 1955 and has continued to find resonance with American audiences decade after decade, in productions large and small, on the stage, in the movies and on TV.

Director's Notes

On a scorching July day in 1925, a trial began in Dayton, Tennessee, pitting two intellectual greats of the time against each other. At issue was a state law banning the teaching of evolution and a Dayton teacher's knowing infringement of that law. For twelve days, Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes captured the nation's attention as a media circus swept through Dayton, carrying the historical event to a world of readers and listeners. But as the trial failed to achieve its intended purpose - testing the Tennessee law - and the participants gradually followed each other to the grave, the once-famed Scopes "Monkey Trial" fell from the public eye and memory.

Thirty years later, playwrights Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee published their dramatized account of the trial in Inherit the Wind. Though they fictionalized and consolidated much of the actual event, the essence endures. For as they brought history to life again, they found the central issues were as current as ever, and the American public embraced the play as a great drama. Today, more than forty years since Inherit the Wind reached Broadway, America continues to revive the story both in film and on stage. Since 1955, there have been no less than three films, for both television and the big screen, and now Evergreen Players is currently in production to mount this classic at Center Stage beginning October 24.

As with any mounting of a classic, there are certain challenges that are inherent in the process. Director Gene Kato has assembled a very talented cast of local performers, all of which have sunk their collective teeth into the material and are up for the challenge. "We are very careful to attempt to stay neutral and not tip our hand toward Creationism or Evolution." says Kato "It would be very easy to slant the production. What is essential are the questions the play raises on free thought. It's an issue that we still are grappling with on a daily basis. I won't say which camp I fall in with respect to the surface debate, but I admire both Brady and Drummond for their passion and their sense of what they feel is right."

That the play has thrived for decades suggests a usefulness far deeper than merely a characteristic look at America in the 1920s. In fact, further analysis reveals that aside from endless community theatre shows, the large-scale productions of Inherit over the past 40 years coincide with periods of crisis in American culture and a heightened debate over creationism versus evolution. To scholars, such as John Crowe Ransom and James Hunter, this issue is not an isolated one. Instead, both Ransom and Hunter believe that the proceedings of the Scopes trial and the subsequent dramatizations mirror a continuous cultural conflict between different belief systems. Although Hunter labels the two camps progressive and orthodox and Ransom refers to the modernists and fundamentalists, both base their definitions on where people look for meaning in an increasingly complex world. The story of Inherit the Wind, can be read, therefore, as far more than twelve sweltering days in history; it is, instead, the narrative of a nation and the continual struggle for control and the license to write the past of a people.

- Gene Kato

Cast

Sadie Curnow Melinda

Sadie attends 7th grade at Clear Creek Middle School. In her spare time she loves spending time with her horse Cowboy and her hamster Cookie. Also, she enjoys playing basketball and volleyball. Recently she went to New York and saw The Producers, The Lion King and Chicago. She has attended Evergreen Players Drama Camp for three years. This is her first play with the Players.

John Dyer Howard

John attends seventh grade at Creighton Middle School. Most recently he was Buffalo Bill in Annie Get Your Gun. He also performed as Charlie Brown in the Center for Performing Arts Studies’ Holiday Revue. In addition to acting, John plays the clarinet and enjoys anything scientific. He is thrilled to be working with the Evergreen Players.

Stephanie Lynn Prugh Rachel Brown

Stephanie is thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful and talented cast. She is currently working on her second year at Red Rocks Community College and is hoping to transfer to New York University next fall where she will continue to work on her degree in Musical Theatre. She would like to thank Gene for all of his dedication to this show, his much needed support and the mini lessons on the decisions of acting. She would also like to thank her family and friends for all of their love, faith and support.

Bob Meade Meeker

Although this is Bob’s first venture with the Evergreen Players, he has trodden the boards at Center/Stage since 1976. His many roles in Evergreen Chorale Productions have included both Henry Higgins (1980) and Colonel Pickering (2001) in My Fair Lady, and the title role in Man of La Mancha.

Zach Morgan Bertram Cates

This is Zach’s second play with the Evergreen Players. He was last seen in this past summer’s Cinderella. Prior to these productions, his theater exposure was limited to school performances. He is very pleased to be part of this production, where he’s met terrific people and learned the tricks of the trade.

P.K. Worley Mr Goodfellow/Juror

P.K. has directed many shows for the Players and other Denver theaters. Producing this show, along with Jan Hart, has been a special treat. He salutes Gene Kato for his suburb direction of this huge cast and thanks his wonderful wife Donna for finally playing a scene with him.

Davis Bennett Rev Jeremiah Brown

Davis lives and works in central Denver, but he has appeared in numerous productions at Center/Stage. Recently he appeared as the ticket man in the Players’ award-winning production of The Trip to Bountiful and the herald in Cinderella. He just completed a run as the second gangster in Evergreen Chorale’s Kiss Me, Kate. He also was choreographer for The XYZ Files at the Evergreen Players’ Drama Camp this past summer.

Lauren Murray Miss Cooper/Radio Girl

Lauren is excited to be appearing in her first show with the Evergreen Players. She has appeared in numerous high school plays, including The Coal Miner’s Daughter as Clementine, a multitude of characters in Greater Tuna, and as a stage tech in A Christmas Carol. Lauren dedicates this performance to everyone who helped make this production possible. Thank you!

Mike Bowers Mr Bannister

Mike is 17 and currently attending Westwood College of Technology to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Animation. He likes to act on the side just for fun. He acted throughout high school in many plays. This is his first show in a community theater with open auditions.

Nancy McGuire Mrs Loomis/Reuters Reporter

This is Nancy’s first appearance in a play since middle school! As a stay-at-home mother of three school-aged children she has finally been able to pursue her dream of acting. Encouraged by 12 “chicks” on top of a mountain two years ago, she is proud to be a part of her first production. The deepest gratitude goes to her family for supporting her in her goals.

Julie McKinney-Thornlyre Mrs McLain

Julie trained as a modern dancer under scholarship at the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance School, then danced professionally with Kim Robards Dance (KRD), where she also taught dance to all age groups. She performed at the American Dance Festival in Durham (NC), Wyoming¹s Snowy Range Dance Festival, and venues in New York City, Portland (OR), Rapid City (SD) and throughout Colorado. Also a choreographer, Julie’s work has appeared at Denver’s Schwayder Theater, in several studio shows, at art openings, poetry readings and other venues. This is Julie’s first non-dance theatrical performance.

Karen Kargel Mrs Blair

Karen was last on Center/Stage as Gert in Lost in Yonkers. She is glad to have her real voice back for this play! Karen has played a variety of roles in theaters in the Denver area. She is a librarian at Leawood Elementary School.

Eric Sommers E K Hornbeck

Mr. Sommers is a native of Newburgh, NY where he first appeared on stage at the age of 10 as Patrick Dennis in Mame. His more recent roles include Albert in Bring Back Birdie, Charlie Brown in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, and Billy Flynn in Chicago. His most memorable theater experience was playing Michael in Peter Pan, as he flew using the same harness previously worn by Raquel Welch. Inherit the Wind marks Mr. Sommers' debut with the Evergreen Players.

Donna Worley Mrs Krebs

Donna is proud to be part of her second non-musical play with Evergreen Players. She was last seen as Aida in Over the River and Through the Woods. She is enjoying monkeying around in this piece. She thanks her Lord for her second chance to learn.

Michael Dyer Timmy

Michael is a third grader at Parmalee Elementary School. He is a member of Prelude the the Evergreen Children’s Chorale. He was most recently in Treasure Island and he also performed in Oliver Twist. In addition to acting and singing, Michael plays the piano and clarinet and enjoys soccer. He is excited to be performing with the Evergreen Players.

Larry Washburn Mayor

Larry first performed with the Evergreen Players in 1968 and is best remembered by Evergreen audiences for his portrayal of Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey. He is returning to the Players' stage after several years with the Cabin Fever Players in Lake City, Colo., where he and the late Kathie Steele ran a bed and breakfast. It’s great to be back!

T David Rutherford Matthew Harrison Brady

David was seen most recently at the Country Dinner Playhouse where he just completed playing Buffalo Bill in Annie Get Your Gun and the coach in Footloose. He also has performed at Town Hall in Littleton, the Aurora Fox, the Nomad in Boulder and at Encore Dinner Theatre, Colorado Springs. David has appeared in productions of The Music Man, Little Women, the Musical, 42nd Street, Oklahoma!, Phantom, The Secret Garden, Into the Woods, Big River and many other shows. He has been seen and heard on many commercials including Health/One, King Soopers, E-470, Colorado Heart Imaging, Taco John’s and Good Times Hamburgers with the Bronco’s Shannon Sharpe.

Susan Hickey Mrs Brady

Susan appeared in Evergreen Players productions of The Boy Friend and Cinderella. She is president of Laughter Allowed, a company that uses the principals of improvisational comedy to help organizations break out of inhibiting communication patterns. Susan also offers improv classes for adults and additional classes for parents and teens. She resides in Denver.

Brian Dowling Tom Davenport

Brian is thrilled to be back and Center/Stage, a place he has missed greatly. "Thank you Gene for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this show. It has been a pleasure working with you."

Leo Lewis Henry Drummond

When he retired from active-duty military service with the U.S. Air Force, Lew became lead dancer with the Chippendales. After developing a gland condition, he left the troupe and pursued a wrongful termination lawsuit. (Editor’s note: Leo also has some swamp land he’d like to sell.) This is his first appearance with the Evergreen Players.

Gary Sohrweid Judge

Gary is a retired art teacher from the Jefferson County School District. He won best actor for his role in Evergreen Players’ Greater Tuna at the Colorado Community Theatre Coalition (CCTC) Festival. He also won an acting award for his role in All in the Timing at the American Association of Community Theatre national festival. He serves on the CCTC Board of Directors.

Lori Leach Stenographer/Hotdog Woman

This is Lori’s first show with the Evergreen Players. Her stage credits include Wind in the Willows, Brigadoon, Any Number Can Die, Oklahoma and numerous church chancel dramas and dinner theaters. For the past three years she has been assistant producer/director, set designer, actress and costumer for a local church. Many thanks to Gene and the Evergreen Players for all the fun these past few weeks.

Dagan Budd Dunlap

Dagan is a student at Red Rocks Community College. He plans on majoring in music and becoming a vocal instructor. Besides school, he likes hiking and camping, as well as performing arts such as theater and music. This is his first performance in a production outside of school.

Karl Andersen Sillers

This is Karl's first speaking role in a full-scale theatrical production. Previously he’s appeared in semi-staged musicals with the Colorado Chorale and chancel dramas at Evergreen Lutheran Church. Typically he can be found in the orchestra pit, playing drums for the Players, Evergreen Chorale and Evergreen Children's Chorale. He's also the Players' lead set builder and member of the Board of Directors. He thanks his wife for writing this wonderful bio for him.

Gene Kato Director

Gene is thrilled to be working with the Players again, albeit from the other side of the stage. Audiences may remember Gene from his role of Nick in last spring’s production of Over the River and Through the Woods as well as his stint as the lovestruck boyfriend Pierre in the summer of 2002’s production of The Boy Friend. Gene currently teaches Acting and Intro to Theatre at Red Rocks Community College and is finishing up his M.A. in Theatre at CU-Boulder. When not acting, Gene spends his time directing. His Colorado credits include Fuddy Meers, Something’s Afoot, Love’s Tangled Web, and his own adaptation of The Little Mermaid, which he directed for Main Street Players during Littleton’s Western Welcome Week. Future projects include directing A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and possibly (rights permitting) the Colorado premier of Wonder of the World.

Todd Bastian Juror

Len Brass Juror

Ross Cardler Juror

Chad Chisholm Juror

P J Chisholm Juror

Gary Christie Juror

John Davis Juror

Chick Dykeman Juror

Ken Eysaman Juror

Duane Gibson Juror

Tom 'Granpa' Hale Juror

Curt Harris Juror

Sandy Harvey Juror

Mario Huipe Juror

Gene Kato Juror

Jerry Mallory Juror

Bill Manning Juror

Steve Moody Juror

Dave Nelson Juror

Jim Nist Juror

Casey O'Donnell Juror

Scott Ogle Juror

Larry Sohrweid Juror

Ethan Vimont Juror

Production Crew

Images from Inherit The Wind

Photography by Ellen Nelson and other volunteers.

Hornbeck (Eric Sommers) is forced to pick between buying a Bible and a hot-dog from street vendors (Lori Leach and Julie McKinney-Thornlyre)

Rev. Brown (Davis Bennett) leads the citizens in a rousing chorus of 'Gimme that old-time religion' for the arrival of Matthew Harrison Brady and his wife

Matthew Harrison Brady (T David Rutherford) meets Rachel Brown (Stephanie Prugh); "Has Mr Cates ever tried to pollute your mind with his heaten dogma?"

Drummond (Leo Lewis) and Matthew Harrison Brady (T David Rutherford); "Unless the state of mind of the members of the jury conforms to the laws and patterns of society..."

Matthew Harrison Brady (T David Rutherford) cross-examining Rachel Brown (Stephanie Prugh); "How can we strike this young man's bigoted opinions from the memory of this community?"

Matthew Harrison Brady (T David Rutherford) examining Howard (John Dyer); "I am sure that everyone on the jury... is moved by this tragic confusion. He has been taught that he wriggled up like an animal from the filth and the muck below!"

Drummond (Leo Lewis) questions Matthew Harrison Brady (T David Rutherford); "Natural law was born in the mind of the Heavenly Father. He can change it, cancel it, use it as He pleases. It constantly amazes me that you apostles of science, for all your supposed wisdom, fail to grasp this simple fact."

Cates (Zach Morgan), Rachel (Stephanie Prugh) and Drummon (Leo Lewis) despair over the verdict.