SHERMAN — The Sherman Players delight with their timely, thought-provoking production of Inherit the Wind, running through October 4.

Inherit the Wind is a classic American courtroom drama written in 1955 and based on the real-life Scopes Monkey Trial in 1925. Chicago lawyer Henry Drummond (played by Tim Cleary) finds himself defending Bertram Cates (Jon Barker), a young Tennessee science teacher who was arrested for teaching his students about the theory of evolution. The case picks up notoriety in town, and Drummond finds himself facing off against beloved national political figure and Christian fundamentalist Matthew Harrison Brady (Eric Greenfeld). While the teaching of evolution may be the catalyst for the trial, Inherit the Wind concerns itself with a rich examination of the boundaries of freedom of speech, conscience, and the right to disagree.

With director Gus Bottazzi at the helm, many of the show’s thematic elements come to life not just on the stage, but in the theater. A few seats within the venue are reserved for the jurors and residents of Hillsboro, the town the story is set in.

There are many times throughout the show, most notably the trial that comprises much of act two, when these positioned cast members react to what’s happening. The faithful residents will praise Matthew with loud affirmations in one moment, only to rise from their seats to denounce Henry and Bertram the next, creating an immersive experience for the audience. These characters aren’t just randoms who appear in two scenes only to never show their face again. Instead, they are loud, fervent critics who often speak their minds. It elevates the stakes of the trial and makes the pushback against Henry and Bertram, along with the pressure they experience, feel real.

On that note, there are several other nice touches to the show, such as the protesters’ bold signs that read, “Are you a man or a monkey?” and “Don’t monkey with our children.”

There is also a great cinematic moment at the end, when various recent news articles tying into the themes of the show are projected onto the back wall. This beat, interlaced with Henry slamming the Bible and a Charles Darwin book together only for the lights to cut to darkness, is a powerful bookend to the show.

It is moments like this that make it clear how much thought was put into the production.

This level of care continues into the strong cast performances. Cleary is an incredibly strong Henry, perfectly conveying the sharp and sarcastic lawyer who has seen a lot of nonsense during his years in court.

Beneath this principled disposition, however, is a deeply passionate man, one who champions people’s rights to think and speak freely. This comes across best when facing off against Matthew in the courtroom. It is clear to the audience that, despite the two men being on opposing sides, Henry has a deep respect for Matthew.

Greenfeld captures Matthew in much the same way. Matthew is a man of faith who preaches what he believes, and Greenfeld portrays him in such a way to where he genuinely believes his actions are the right thing to do and are helping the majority.

This confidence is sharply contrasted by the end of the trial, when Matthew is left shaking in terror under the barrage of remarks from Henry. Greenfeld’s Matthew is not the infallible messiah the rest of the town believes he is, but a man who fights strongly for his beliefs.

Aaron Kaplan is great as E.K. Hornbeck, the jaded journalist covering the case. Hornbeck seems aligned to Henry's beliefs, but reveals himself as someone who relishes his own perceived greatness compared to those he deems lesser. That calm and collected demeanor peels away and reveals a man who cannot fathom someone such as Henry respecting the opposition, all thanks to Kaplan’s acting.

He is not the only man who ardently champions his own ideology. John Bergdahl perfectly embodies Reverend Jeremiah Brown. Bergdahl uses his booming voice, which carries well through the venue, to make sure that when he speaks, everyone’s eyes are on him. He carries himself with such confidence that the audience can understand why he can rile the townsfolk up in the way he does.

Olivia Rose Larsen also does a great job as Rachel Brown, the reverend’s daughter and also a dear friend to Bertram. Her character comes across as kind, compassionate, and spirited.

However, the audience can see just how much Rachel struggles between her faith and closeness to Bertram. Larsen’s expressions will twist into pain, and it becomes hard to not want to root for her.

Barker’s Bertram is a relatively modest and unassuming guy, but comes alive through the moments when he shows his genuine care about Rachel and teaching, tying together the case.

The rest of the cast, from the people stationed in the audience to Alexa Wild as the cool and collected judge, each embody their role and deliver.

The Sherman Players’ Inherit the Wind is as timely as it is thought-provoking. It is certainly worth checking out.

Performances continue through October 4, on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2 pm. A talk-back is planned immediately after the October 4 matinee. Sherman First Selectman Don Lowe and theatre expert Dr Don Gagnon will lead a discussion about the play. Tickets are $26 adults and seniors, $13 students (with ID), and $23.40 groups of ten or more. Visit shermanplayers.org for reservations and additional information.

=====

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.