Content note: off stage death.
We read "Inherit the Wind" in high school and I adored it. I described it to a coworker as a story about a teacher who gets in trouble for teaching Biology, which is both true and taking a side. The program note mentions that the show is talking about bigger issues than who is right and who is wrong. So me taking a side in the court case is sort of beside the point. The case in the play has an obvious real world basis. But of course the play looks at both the case but also the town. How a small town tried to both show up and show off for the reporters and famous people drawn to this case that has garnered national attention.
I had last seen Rebecca Madeira, who plays Rachel, in "A Wrinkle in Time" so I was pleased they incorporated singing into it. The original play has only Rachel as a main canonically female character. The show made use of a non-binary actor, and also some gender bent casting as well as color conscious casting. The ensemble players played children, adults, and folks of multiple genders. "Gilmore Girls" fans will recognize Dakin Matthews, who is playing Harrison.
The case at the center of the story is about a science teacher who teaches about Darwin's theory of evolution in a state where such teaching is banned. The case garners national attention, and a former presidential candidate, and a well known city defense attorney each come to town to provide prosection and defense.
The play is obviously sadly timely. And of course the themes of outsiders coming to help decide the fate of what happens to one teacher in a small town, and the way the magnified attention makes everyone feel like they can't just work it out is of course a problem that spans generations.
While I don't agree that there isn't a right and wrong side for this case, I do love and understand a good metaphor. I understand the broader themes and even if my favorite two lines happen to be Mr. Drummond's.
I often talk about conversation plays, though of course all good shows should engender conversation. This one is based on true events. But the play was written in 1950's, a generation or so later. It was in fact written during another time when certain things being said out loud in a classroom were considered a concern.
The direction allowed for gestures and movement. Some characters walked up into the aisles. If you like watching the actor not speaking, it is fun. And it helps remind the audience, this isn't just about the people yelling. The play starts and ends with two playful kids running around.
