Spring Break
HTG sweeps away audience with 'Inherit the Wind'
by Marianna Faynshteyn
Staff Writer
Arts | 11/25/08
Posted online at 12:42 AM EST on 11/25/08
As I have said before, I do not regret choosing to see HTG's production of Inherit the Wind over the acclaimed film version, and one scene specifically relates to this rationalization: When the court undermines all of Drummond's efforts in presenting scientific evidence and witnesses, he calls Brady to testify as a biblical expert. As one would expect a man of Drummond's cleverness and capabilities to do, Brady leaves the stand shed of his greatness, and as the court participants disperse, the strength of the ensemble is realized as the sounds of laughter and disinterest fill the stage. The offstage shrills of childish giggles, the shuffling of chairs, the clambering of chatter and the clutter of bodies assembled in the courtroom-combined with the knowledge of the physical presence of all of these factors in front of you-embodies failure in such a way that makes it difficult not to turn away.
Turning away, however, is less of a privilege in a theater, whereas a screen is all too permitting for such weakness.
Turning away, however, is less of a privilege in a theater, whereas a screen is all too permitting for such weakness.
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 9
john H
posted 11/25/08 @ 6:11 AM EST
Great review. I agree with almost all of it. Especially the part about the evolution lawyer, who stole the show.
The only part I don't agree with is about the reverend, who I believe played his character well. (Continued…)
Daniel L
posted 11/25/08 @ 11:46 AM EST
As a member of the cast of Inherit The Wind, I think there's one name that was left out of this review that needs to be mentioned - Marti Dembowitz, our director. (Continued…)
Alex D
posted 11/25/08 @ 3:15 PM EST
I am disappointed with your assessment on Daniel Katz as well. As a cast member, working on all scenes daily, I've come to understand the characters a lot more than how they seem on paper. (Continued…)
Sarah S
posted 11/25/08 @ 10:54 PM EST
Actually, Avram has been in a show every semester for the last 2 years. I hardly count that as "rarely seen." He is a very talented student and it becomes obvious show after show. (Continued…)
Marianna F
posted 11/26/08 @ 2:12 PM EST
First off, thank you for the comments, whether complimentary or not--I'm always curious to see if people agree with my assessment or not and sadly, most people don't seem to notice at all. (Continued…)
Sarah
posted 11/26/08 @ 2:49 PM EST
How did the prayer scene not "establish his presence." It was one of the best scenes of the show...
I think, agreeing with an earlier comment, you were too stuck on the stereotypical bigoted reverend. (Continued…)
Juror # 6
posted 12/01/08 @ 12:16 AM EST
What about us? The Jurors did a great job!
Ashley
posted 12/07/08 @ 7:06 PM EST
A well-deserved review, for a well-done show.
I was thoroughly impressed by each and every performance in this great, important production. It was among the top plays that I have seen at Brandeis without a doubt. (Continued…)
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