Inherit the Wind
at Thomas Edison High School

Reviewed on November 13, 2015

Marc Manaloto
W.T. Woodson High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

Creationism versus evolution--a topic debated for years and years and most recently at Thomas A. Edison High School's production of Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee.

The play fictionalizes the 1925 Scopes "Monkey" Trial, testifying against a man teaching the theory of evolution to his high school science class. Set in a strictly religious town in the southern part of the United States, creationism has been the only accepted belief for many years. Two lawyers, once former friends, are put against each other in the ultimate trial of intellectual freedom versus the norms of society. Inherit the Wind opened on Broadway in 1955, followed by two revivals in 1996 and 2007. The play has also been adapted into four different films, most notably the 1960 adaptation, garnering four Academy Award nominations.

Thai Duong and Nicholas Riehle portrayed Matthew Harrison Brady and Henry Drummond, the two opposing lawyers respectively, transforming into two 60-something year old men, making it hard to believe that the actors were merely high school students. Both accurately transform their voices into a dialect that was very common during the time period. Duong's movement realistically resembles that of a man in his late sixties with sluggish actions, struggling movements, and a limp posture. The commitment of these two actors to their respective roles created a truthful tension that carried over to the audience, impressed with their talent.

Another standout was Emily Wilson's honest portrayal of Rachel Brown, the daughter of the town preacher Reverend Jeremiah Brown (David Leavitt). Her objective throughout the show was done with purpose and clear intention, drawing the audience to believe every word she said. Her dedication to her character is evident, specifically when she professes her love for Bertram Cates (Timothy Etter) delivering her lines with heart and pure emotion.

In addition to the talented lead actors, the townspeople provided an energetic and overall excellent support that added to the atmosphere of the show. Each individual in the ensemble portrayed a character that created a diverse cast of the town, each with its own individual purpose displaying that the town itself had its own opinions on the ongoing trial.

The set for the show was simple, yet provided the audience with a homey and rustic feel that the South is known for. The use of browns, reds, and yellow hues created an atmosphere of the hot, southern American life. The props reflected the time period well, bringing the audience back in time where cameras were bigger than your head and microphones were known as "annunciators". The music transitions in between scenes also provided a channel to take the spectators back in time to the '20s, where jazz was the hip music to listen to.

Thomas Edison's production of Inherit the Wind left audience members appreciating the freedom we have today to freely express our opinions and our thoughts.

Will LeHardy
Washington Lee High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

Does a man have freedom to think in a town that is against his way of thinking? In Thomas A. Edison High School's production of Inherit the Wind this question is dramatically put to the test when a teacher is put on trial for educating on evolution in a town where it is forbidden.

Inherit the Wind was written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee in 1955. A courtroom drama, it follows lawyers Matthew Harrison Brady and Henry Drummond as they respectively prosecute against and defend the case of Bertram Cates, who taught his biology class Darwinism instead of creationism. Teaching evolutionism is against the law in Hillsboro, Tennessee, the town where the play is set.

Nicholas Riehle charismatically portrayed Drummond, a performance that showed both a fierce and a solemn side to the lawyer. In the courtroom, for instance, Riehle powerfully swept the stage, passionately addressing not only the jury as to why Cates was innocent, but also directing his speech to the audience. Later on, however, he talked about growing up in a working class family, showing the sensitive side of Drummond that we don't see in the courtroom. Riehle combined these two aspects and created a personal, original, and impactful rendition of his character.

Two other forces within the cast of talented actors were Thai Duong and Emily Wilson, who played prosecutor Brady and Cates' love interest Rachel Brown, respectively. Brady is a boisterous southern traditionalist who delivers both comedic and dramatic lines throughout the play. Duong was faithful to his character, adding comedy when needed, and more serious tones in other parts, keeping a thick Tennessee drawl in his voice throughout, helpfully enhancing his dialogue. Wilson emitted powerful emotion through her performance as Rachel, especially in her struggle between choosing her father, a creationist minister, or her affection for Cates. Wilson beautifully delivered a monologue of her upbringing in act one, about how she was afraid of her father as a child. It was truly a delight to see her blossom onstage.

A subtle detail in the play that one may overlook was the makeup of Brady and Drummond. The hair and make-up team consisting of Mariana Cuesta, Katherine Espinal-Cruz, CJ Lowing, and Taylor Cheski expertly designed the faces of these two lawyers to showcase the major differences between the two characters while maintaining their similarities in age. Brady's make-up gave him the look of a popular, outgoing gentlemen with smiling eyes, while Drummond's make-up showed a more dignified, wiser look, showcasing the character's knowledge and deeper thinking. This element visually helped the audience identify who these characters were and how they acted, and it worked terrifically to help give the two lawyers depth.

Altogether, Inherit the Wind provided an in-depth look into a case that challenged the belief that a man doesn't have the right to think based on what a town may believe. Thomas A. Edison High School presented a production that engaged audiences, deepened understanding, and, above all, inspired people to seek change within their community.

Hannah Thomas
W.T. Woodson High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

What if you couldn't speak your own thoughts? What would happen if you tried? Based off of the Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925, the play Inherit the Wind written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee provides a dramatization of the trial against a Mr. Bertram Cates who decided to teach his students the concept of evolution. The fight between fundamentalism and creationism comes to life in this courtroom drama featuring three-time presidential candidate, Matthew Harrison Brady, and the notorious defense lawyer, Henry Drummond.

Nicholas Riehle effectively embodied Drummond through a difficult balance of acting collected and passive while still relating that this case meant everything to him. His body language such as yawning, leaning on his briefcase, putting his feet up on the desk, and choosing at times in his speeches to play out to the audience; spoke well to Riehle's understanding of his character. As the clear underdog, Drummond put up a mask of indifference to hide the fervent passion that laid right underneath the surface.

Thai Duong, playing the formidable Matthew Harrison Brady, commanded the stage. Duong and Riehle played off each other with effortless banter. Both in character voice, they lived as their characters in the moment instead of simply reciting lines.

Both leads as well as other cast members were aged effectively do to the careful hand of hair and makeup. With older characters, sometimes they can be lumped into one character and they all receive the same makeup. Mariana Cuesta chose to age each in a different way, just as individuals age differently in real life.

The ensemble made some of the most powerful pictures on stage. As Rev. Jeremiah Brown, David Leavitt, gave his passionate sermon damning Cates for his teachings, the captured the feverish mob mentality of the parishioners. This religion-centered community feel infused itself throughout the play.

The courtroom scenes were beautifully blocked and came alive on stage. The scene is set, judge in the middle, two desks on either side with a police officer and stenographer, and the prosecution and defense at tables angled on either side. The ensemble, on varying levels either side, framed the courtroom. The picture was topped off with a large sign saying "Read Your Bible". The Judge, Megan Harris, was a powerful presence in the courtroom while not pulling focus when unnecessary.

The audience is brought into the setting of July in Tennessee through the execution of props and set design. The uses of red, white, and blue gave an unmistakably patriotic feel. Props including large hand-made signs, cups of lemonade, glasses of water, and church fans gave the allusion of the extreme southern summer heat.

Edison's Inherit the Wind provides a glimpse into the religiously-charged south in the 1920's with a dedicated ensemble and energy-charged leading actors. Coupled with well-placed props and an endearing set, the audience is brought straight into the courtroom at the Scopes Monkey Trial.

Ethan Olswang
W.T. Woodson High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - Ft Hunt/Kingstowne

An ill-educated town, witty characters, and high tensions were all present in Thomas A. Edison High School's production of Inherit the Wind. Inherit the Wind, written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, debuted on Broadway in 1955. The play follows the trial of Bertram Cates, a high school teacher of Hillsboro, Tennessee, after he is accused of teaching Darwinism (evolution). The trial brings forth debates about God, evolution, and human nature. A close ally of Bertram Cates is Rachel Brown – daughter of the town preacher, Reverend Jeremiah Brown. In the courtroom we meet vibrant characters such as Matthew Harrison Brady, a religious prosecutor and Henry Drummond, Cates's lawyer. Inherit the Wind allows us to see what carnage occurred inside the courtroom of Hillsboro, Tennessee.

With passion and energy, Timothy Etter successfully portrayed Bertram Cates. It was clear to the audience that his character was full of anger, fear, and humiliation. One memorable scene where Etter truly stood out was in act two where he exploded with emotion after being belittled by the opposing side. Behind the role of Rachel Brown, was Emily Wilson. From her believable emotional breakdowns to her love and compassion shown towards Cates, Wilson was able to play a convincible young woman who strayed a bit too far from her father's teachings.

Bertram Cates's lawyer, Henry Drummond, was portrayed by Nicholas Riehle. Proving to be a seasoned actor, Riehle commanded the stage with his orotund voice, clear facial expressions, and impressive emotiveness. Delivering his lines with gusto, Riehle brought the audience into the courtroom with him. Riehle also successfully executed humorous remarks when tensions in the courtroom became strong. Another standout actor was Thai Duong. Mastering the role of Matthew Harrison Brady, prosecutor in the trial against Bertram Cates, Duong often delivered heartfelt and humorous speeches about why the Bible is the law of the land. Even though Duong played a one dimensional character, he was able to express the many emotions of such a small minded man.

Some other standout performers include David Leavitt, Alberic Karina-Plun, and Alayna Theunissen. Leavitt played the ever proud and powerful Reverend Jeremiah Brown. Upon the closing of act one, he preached a powerful and invigorating sermon, transporting the audience into a conservative small-town church. Alberic Karina-Plun played the roles of Timmy and Howard, two young boys of Hillsboro. Karina-Plun did an excellent job of portraying a sweet, innocent, yet dull-witted character in both roles. Finally, Alayna Theunissen mastered her role of E.K. Hornbeck, a reporter, by delivering comical lines with sarcasm.

The ensemble of Edison's Inherit the Wind was exceptional. Playing the townspeople of Hillsboro, the ensemble did a remarkable job of keeping a high energy atmosphere throughout the entirety of the play. Whether walking about on a hot day or sitting in the hot courtroom, the ensemble added life and color with their catty remarks along with mesmerizing and humorous religious songs.

The Set and props, while both simple, served their purpose by providing the boundaries and tools needed to tell the story of the play. Edison's stage crew did a phenomenal job with their quick scene changes accompanied by the sound crew's appropriate background music.

By the end of the night, the audience had a new understanding and appreciation for today's history textbooks and for science too. Edison's performance of Inherit the Wind successfully challenged its audience to think about earlier times when the obvious wasn't always right. Edison's performance of Inherit the Wind hit the audience in all the right ways, and left a feeling of thankfulness for living in the present!

Drew Bondy
W.T. Woodson High School
Submitted for publication to Alexandria Times

Although the teachings of evolution in Thomas A. Edison High School's production of "Inherit the Wind" elicited significant controversy, all characters can certainly testify one common thought-- Hillsboro is hot, hot, hot! The unusual heat in this 1925 bible-belt town evoked anxiety, tension, and strain; this remained constant among core characters and ensemble members, stimulating dispute over one larger idea: evolution or evangelicalism?

Based on the 1925 Scopes Trial, "Inherit the Wind" tells the story of a man by the name of Bertram Cates. Cates is a progressive, thoughtful schoolteacher who is convicted of infringement upon the Butler Act. This act strictly prohibits the right for man to teach Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution, and simultaneously stresses the literal interpretation of The Bible. Rachel Brown, a close friend of Cates, and also a schoolteacher, battles differentiating between her true beliefs, beliefs that are simply influences of her town, and the moral consequences of testifying against a friend. The plot picks up when Matthew Brady and Henry Drummond, the two opposing defendants on trial, claim contrasting arguments that induce both melodramatics and thoughtful impressions. Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee wrote and debuted the play in 1955.

Among the highlights of the play were the bantering lawyers, Henry Drummond (Nicholas Riehle) and Matthew Harrison Brady (Thai Duong). Both Riehle and Duong showcased their character's know-it-all attitude with authenticity. Riehle, playing the charismatic and composed Drummond, perfectly encapsulated the passionate nature of his character. His movements were purposeful, commanding, and vehement, while also portraying a softer, genuine side that comforted the audience with grace. Contrastingly, Duong, playing the pompous Matthew Harrison Brady, presented himself with boldness. His confident attitude exuded greatly with every spoken word. Also, Duong's rich southern accent is deserving of notable attention. His humorously thick deliverance of lines left the audience feeling as if we were truly a part of the Tennessee trial.

Emily Wilson, playing the role of Rachel Brown, also deserves an honorable mention for her honest and sincere portrayal of her character. Wilson flawlessly conveyed her character's development from frightened, schoolteacher to liberated woman. David Leavitt, playing Reverend Jeremiah Brown, also stood out as a strong actor. His dominant attitude frightened audience members in one of the most memorable scenes in the show, for his aggressive tone was extremely captivating. His raised hands and authoritative speaking voice cast a dark mood felt by all.

Accommodating the actor's honest portrayals, the minimal, yet effective set conveyed a humble attitude similar to what this boondocks town might have looked like. The bright lemonade signs and patriotic banners excellently illustrated the traditional sense of this period. Props were used effectively and purposefully; typewriters, gavels, and hand fans brought us back to the customary practices and lifestyles of 1925. Also, hair and make-up did a fantastic job at differentiating old from young. Drummond's snow-white hair mimicked that of someone who was actually elderly, while many young women's voluminous curls were rich with youth.

Thomas A. Edison's production of "Inherit the Wind" sparked major controversy both morally and legally. Actors and tech exhibited strong dedication and periodic accuracy, for it was evident in truthful embodiments of characters and an overall aesthetically pleasing display. The passionate tonality in this moving production served as a historical display of the Scopes Trial, revealing that it is certainly possible to combine both faith and science, to widen our perspectives, and to accept progressive thought.

Mavis Manaloto
W.T. Woodson High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

Every day we ask ourselves the basic question of right versus wrong, whether it be through our thoughts or our actions. A clear example of that was made at Thomas A. Edison's production of Inherit the Wind.

Inherit the Wind takes place in the small southern town of Hillsboro, USA, where creationism is the only accepted way of thinking. However, once schoolteacher Bertram Cates brings up Darwin in a lesson, he is put on trial for teaching the forbidden subject of evolution. During the trail, two lawyers, Matthew Harrison Brady and Henry Drummond, fight it out on the compelling issue of creationism versus evolution. Written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee, Inherit the Wind premiered on Broadway in 1955, followed by two revivals in 1996 and 2007.

Edison High School's 32-person cast captured the audience's attention with their reactions and energy, especially during the courtroom scenes. From little tasks such as excessive fanning to mighty worshipping, the ensemble easily transported the audience back to a southern summertime "not too long ago."

Nicholas Riehle convincingly portrayed the wise, aged lawyer Henry Drummond. His strong choices matched those of Thai Duong's Matthew Harrison Brady. Together they created tensions in and out of the courtroom that helped create the picture of best-friend-turned-rivals. Emily Wilson gave an exceptional performance as Rachel Brown. Her character was torn between loyalty towards her controlling reverend father and her colleague and love interest, Cates. Wilson conveyed that conflict well through her emotions and actions. David Leavitt's portrayal of Rev. Jeremiah Brown was one filled thoroughly with passion for his religion.

The townspeople of Hillsboro played off of each other's energy to create the mob mentality evident in this time period. Each member of the ensemble made a clear objective from the very beginning of the show. Their characters, from a Judge to an innocent little schoolboy, brought to life a picture of what a close-knit town is really like.

Although the set and props were simple, they served their purpose. The signs the townspeople waved while marching added to the passion executed by the ensemble. The transition music during the scene changes also helped set the stage for a small southern town, while the stage crew made quick, quiet transitions. Despite some clothing not being of this time period, the audience could make out which character was which with help from the costumes.

Thomas A. Edison's production of Inherit the Wind reminded the audience of an important life lesson: the freedom to think is not only for us but for those around us as well.

Maura O'Reilly
Washington Lee High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

A minister, surrounded by the hands of his congregation reaching towards him as he shouts the gospel. Sign-carrying townsfolk surrounding a platform bearing a man, preaching the accuracy and importance of creationism. This same man battling another man on the pretense of Darwinism being taught in school, as opposed to creationism. These are some of the powerful images created onstage in Thomas Edison High School's production of Inherit the Wind.

Originally produced on Broadway in 1955, Inherit the Wind is written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee. It is based on the Scopes' Monkey Trial of 1925, and uses it as a foil to depict the McCarthy Trials that were happening as the play was written. The story is framed around a case in which a Tennessee schoolteacher, Bertram Cates, is teaching Darwin's theory of evolution in his classes instead of the law-mandated creationist theory. This case is battled out in a conservative courtroom between lawyers Henry Drummond, arguing for the innocence of Cates, and Matthew Harrison Brady, the prosecutor.

Playing the roles of Henry Drummond and Matthew Harrison Brady were Nicholas Riehle and Thai Duong, respectively. Riehle and Duong both commanded attention; each gave off a unique air of dignity and respect for the other, even through their differing opinions. They honored each other's rank, as well as the others that they interacted with. It was clear to see through their individual behavior the hierarchy of those involved in the case, from the lawyers to the judge to the town minister to the town folk.

Emily Wilson as Rachel Brown, the daughter of the minister, was a sweetly calming presence onstage. Her tender love and care for Bertram Cates (played skillfully by Timothy Etter) contrasted the constant intensity of the arguments in court. When she was brought to testify as a witness against her beloved, her strain between obeying the court's orders and staying loyal to Cates was evident and heart wrenching. Alayna Theunissen as E.K. Hornbeck, the charismatic newspaper reporter, provided comic relief in her over the top personality. Megan Harris as the Judge, David Leavitt as Reverend Jeremiah Brown, and Cassie Cope as Mrs. Brady also gave excellent performances. The ensemble truthfully and effectively filled out every scene that they were in. They were constantly engaged and reacted to everything, making the emotional moments more intense and impressive.

The set of the town gave off a homey feel which evidenced why the townspeople loved their community so much. The props, cared for by Judy Chen, Catalina Ferguson, and Aqsa Ghulam, added complexity to the scenes, most notably in the court scenes in which the entire ensemble could be seen fanning themselves with funeral home fans that were sold to them in the first act. Microphones were used fairly effectively for the lead actors, thanks to sound technician Spencer Parker.

The enthusiasm of the cast shone through in the entire production. Thomas Edison is to be commended on their excellent production, even with the occasional slow pace. Their Inherit the Wind was intricate and driven, showcasing a talented cast and innovative design team.