This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Oct. 26, 2012 - “Maybe it's you who've moved away by standing still.” Two friends face each other, seemingly unrecognizable in each other’s eyes. Sweat coats their brows and gleams across their skin.
One is a man of God, holy and righteous in his ways, an ex-presidential candidate. His opponent is a thinker, an attorney, a man keen on spreading the word of the right to think. A hot, stuffy courtroom encloses them, suffocating them with the air of the case.
This case will decide the fate of one lone schoolteacher and teaching evolution in high school. Hazelwood East High school presents the controversial topic of creationism versus evolution in its riveting and intense production of “Inherit the Wind.”
Originally debuted in 1955, the play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee follows a sensational and fictionalized account of the 1925 Scopes "Monkey" Trial. One young teacher presents the ideas of evolution to his class but is harshly backlashed by the Christian community and sent to jail for his actions. It seems this is the case of the century, with reporters from all over the country coming to tiny Hillsboro to get a taste of the action. But this case is more than a religious backlash; it exemplifies the right to intellectual freedom.
Marquise Middleton portrays the thoughtful and determined Henry Drummon, passionate and fiery in his ways as he defends Bert Cates and the right to intellectual freedom. Middleton is powerful and confident onstage, with high energy and charisma that creates a perfect mold to his character.
Calvin Payne, as the fervent and zealous Prosecutor Matthew Harrison Brady, is commanding and vigorous in his performance. Payne and Middleton’s compelling chemistry creates an intense, excited atmosphere as they battle it out in the courtroom. The two bring life to the show as they fire back at each other. The cute Jasmine Newman plays the strong-hearted, but torn daughter of the Rev. Brown and fellow schoolteacher of Cates.
The defendant, Bert Cates (Nathan Battle) is strong and ardent, with emotional outbreaks that are attention grabbing and eloquent. A local judge (Kelechukwu Adiele), who is subtly sympathetic to creationism, acts as a noticeable mediator between the attorneys, with careful, clear deliverance and excellent enunciation. Tom Davenport (Ralphel Johnson), who assists Brady, is the local attorney, gritty and untiring in his pursuit to win the case.
Though the show sometimes lags in pace and energy, the sound helped really set the mood of the play, with authentic 20s music playing through the auditorium with each blackout and scene change. It gave the production a genuine feel to it, even though some actors lacked characterization and clear diction. Though the show contains some awkward blocking, the light work lit up the stage and emphasized the simple, but effective set. With a stage full of different set pieces and actors, the overall production is quaint and thought provoking.
Hazelwood East creates an illusionary glimpse into the famous Scopes Trial through “Inherit the Wind,” where the emotions run high and tension seems to crackle through the air with each witness called to the stand. For he that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
Sarah Barger is a student at Marquette High School. The Cappies program works with students to review high school theatrical productions.