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Inherit the Wind

Inherit the Wind - 1955 Broadway History , Info & More

National Theatre
208 W. 41st St. New York, NY 10036

Inherit the Wind, a powerful courtroom drama written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, isn't a musical, but it's a gripping play nonetheless. Here's the lowdown:

Debuting in 1955, the play fictionalizes the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925. Science teacher John Scopes is put on trial for defying a Tennessee law that prohibited teaching evolution in public schools. The play becomes a battleground for clashing ideologies - religious fundamentalism versus scientific progress.

Two legendary lawyers take center stage: the firebrand defense attorney Henry Drummond, modeled after Clarence Darrow, and the ruthless prosecutor Matthew Harrison Brady, a character resembling William Jennings Bryan. Their legal battle becomes a microcosm of the larger societal struggle between tradition and progress.

Inherit the Wind transcends its historical setting. The play continues to resonate with audiences today, sparking discussions about censorship, academic freedom, and the ongoing debate between science and religion. Its powerful message and timeless themes make Inherit the Wind a thought-provoking and impactful piece of theater.


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Actress and Broadway League Alum Harriet Slaughter Dies at 88
by Stephi Wild - Nov 24, 2025


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by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 25, 2025


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Review: BOBBY AND THE CHIMPS at Abbey Theater Of Dublin
by Paul Batterson - Apr 8, 2025


The play, BOBBY AND THE CHIMPS, made its world premiere on April 3 and runs through April 12 at the Abbey Theater of Dublin (5600 Post Road in Dublin). In some ways, Phillips’ version of the debate of teaching evolution vs. creation is truer to life than its forerunner.

Interview: James Phillips of BOBBY AND THE CHIMPS at Abbey Theater Of Dublin
by Paul Batterson - Mar 21, 2025


According to British playwright James Phillips, inspiration can be found anywhere: a photograph, a fragment of a story, a sentence, or in the case of BOBBY AND THE CHIMPS, a winetasting. Phillips’ play makes its world premiere April 3-6 and 10-13 at the Abbey Theater of Dublin (5600 Post Road in Dublin).

Review: INHERIT THE WIND at Theatre Memphis
by Kevin Shaw - Jan 24, 2025


During the 2023-2024 school year, more than 10,000 books were banned in public schools across the United States-a nearly 200% increase from the previous year. This was the highest number of book bans in a single school year. What was banned? Books about mental health, suicide, substance abuse, sexual well-being, and puberty were axed.

Review: INHERIT THE WIND at Goodman Theatre
by Rachel Weinberg - Sep 24, 2024


Goodman Theatre’s season-opening production of INHERIT THE WIND centers on a fictionalized version of the 1925 “Scopes Monkey” trial — at its heart, a debate on creationism vs. evolutionism. Though playwrights Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee make it clear they’re on the side of evolution, it’s still a treat to watch this production’s Matthew Harrison Brady (Alexander Gemignani) and Henry Drummond (Harry Lennix) go head-to-head in a verbal spar.

Photos/Video: INHERIT THE WIND Extended At Goodman Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 23, 2024


The jury of its peers finds Inherit the Wind at Goodman Theatre worthy of a one-week extension, adding six more performances of Henry Godinez’s major revival of Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s 1955 classic courtroom drama. See photos and video highlights from the production.

Video: Cast & Creative Team Talk INHERIT THE WIND at Goodman Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Sep 18, 2024


Watch as the cast and creative team of INHERIT THE WIND go under oath to explore the truth about this play's impact on artists and audiences alike. Check out the video!

INHERIT THE WIND Begins Performances at the Goodman Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Sep 13, 2024


Previews begin this weekend for Goodman Theatre’s 99th season’s opening production—a major revival of Inherit the Wind,directed by Henry Godinez.

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by A.A. Cristi - Aug 28, 2024


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by Stephi Wild - May 7, 2024


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Broadway Alum Beth Peters Dies; The GENERAL HOSPITAL Star Was 92
by Michael Major - Mar 19, 2024


Beth Peters has passed away at age 92. The General Hospital star made her Broadway debut in 1955 in the ensemble of Inherit the Wind. She later took on the role of Mrs. Brady for the final months. Regionally, Peters played the role of Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man over 20 times, also seen in Funny Girl, Sound of Music, and more.

Review: A Gripping, Thought-Provoking & Highly Entertaining INHERIT THE WIND at the Asolo Repertory Theatre
by Peter Nason - Jan 22, 2024


Led by two incredible performances and a visionary director, it's a production where everything goes right.

Review: INHERIT THE WIND at Asolo Reperatory Theater
by Shanti Kennedy - Jan 20, 2024


What did our critic think of INHERIT THE WIND at Asolo Reperatory Theater?

Cast Set For Asolo Rep's INHERIT THE WIND
by Stephi Wild - Dec 19, 2023


Asolo Repertory Theatre kicks off its 2024 repertory season with the riveting American classic INHERIT THE WIND by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. Learn more about the production here!

Maggie Siff, Pico Alexander & More to Star in ORPHEUS DESCENDING at TFANA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 12, 2023


Theatre for a New Audience will present Tennessee Williams’ Orpheus Descending, July 9–August 6 at Polonsky Shakespeare Center. See who is starring, and learn how to purchase tickets!

The Adobe Theater to Present INHERIT THE WIND in March
by Blair Ingenthron - Jan 29, 2023


The Adobe Theater will present the Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee play which premiered in 1955 and bring 28 actors to its stage, directed by James Cady. Philip J. Shortell and Paul Ford play the roles of Henry Drummond (based on Clarence Darrow) and Matthew Harrison Brady (based on William Jennings Bryan) respectively.

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INHERIT THE WIND Announced At Kelsey Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - May 10, 2019


It's the 1920s and a Tennessee schoolteacher has been arrested and put on trial for teaching Darwin's Theory of Evolution. Forte Dramatic Productions presents the acclaimed play "Inherit the Wind" at Mercer County Community College's (MCCC's) Kelsey Theatre. Dates and show times for this powerful drama are Fridays, May 24 and 31 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, May 25 and June 1 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, May 26 and June 2 at 2 p.m.

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by Julie Musbach - Feb 13, 2019


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Photo Flash: Hershey Area Playhouse Presents Inherit The Wind- REVISED
by Julie Musbach - Sep 20, 2018


Hershey Area Playhouse is proud to present, Inherit the Wind, an American play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, which debuted in 1955. The story fictionalizes the 1925 Scopes 'Monkey' Trial as a means to discuss the then-contemporary McCarthy trials.

5th Avenue's KISS ME, KATE Begins Next Week
by Julie Musbach - Mar 28, 2018


Rehearsals are in full swing for The 5th Avenue Theatre's production of Kiss Me, Kate, which begins performances next Friday, April 6.

Inherit the Wind History

Other Productions of Inherit the Wind

1955   Broadway
Broadway
1996   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2007   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway

Inherit the Wind - 1955 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners are highlighted with a background.
Inherit the Wind — awards and nominations
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1956 Tony Awards Best Direction Herman Shumlin
1956 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play Ed Begley
1956 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play Paul Muni
1956 Tony Awards Best Scenic Design Peter Larkin
1955 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Play 0

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