The Omnibus

Issue date: 10/7/04 Section: The Review

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As a welcomed follow-up to last month's production of "All in the Timing," the Southwest Baptist University Theatre Department will be presenting "Inherit the Wind" this weekend. Written by Robert E. Lee and Jerome Lawrence, "Inherit the Wind" offers the audience an enjoyable yet thought-provoking story of a town torn apart by the concept of a high school teacher who wants to teach his students about evolution. The story takes place in the small community of Hillsboro, a town full of church goers and Bible readers. When this particularly conservative town finds out that something other than their highly coveted belief in God's creation is being offered, a sense of alarm is triggered and everyone panics.

Media Credit: Adrian Kester Junior Jon Wehmeyer and sophomore Nathan Ross perform scenes from ´Inherit the Wind.´

A highly respected lawyer and three-time presidential candidate named Matthew Harrison Brady makes a grand entrance into this sheltered community as it is his job to show that evolution should not be taught to the young people of Hillsboro. Brady is welcomed with high praise and excitement from the townspeople. A bigger-than-life banner hung in the courtroom greets him and shows their motives as it boldly proclaims, "READ YOUR BIBLE." Intentions are very clear on what this town wants to accomplish, but all of this leads to the possibility of doubt when Henry Drummond, a loud and opinionated lawyer, comes to town to defend the meek high school teacher who simply wants to make peace with his fellow man.

Under the direction of Assistant Professor of Theatre Greg Fiebig, a cast of 33 students puts on an outstanding dramatic performance, presented within a dazzling stage design and lighting arrangement. The show features the tremendously bold acting abilities of students sophomore Matt Overturf and freshman Jimmy Faseler as characters Brady and Drummond. Also spotlighted is the character of Hornbeck, played by sophomore Nathan Ross, a snobby and cynical journalist from Baltimore who is getting the inside scoop on the trial.

This play, loosely based on the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial of Dayton, Tenn., will probably be of interest to most anyone who has ever questioned his or her faith, or who cares to find significance in the clash of ideas found in faith and logic.

"Inherit the Wind" will be showing in the Davis-Newport Theater Oct. 7- 9. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $1 for students, faculty and staff get into the play for free, alumni pay $3 and general admission is $4 in advance and $5 at the door. To purchase tickets, stop by the theatre box office between noon and 4 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday or call the box office at 328-1691.

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