Inherit the Wind
Drama - Original
National Theatre
Data not verified
- First Preview:
- Opening Date: April 21, 1955
- Closing Date: June 22, 1957
- Previews: 0
- Performances: 806
Playwright: Jerome Lawrence, Robert E. Lee
Synopsis
This courtroom drama is based on the 1925 Scopes "Monkey Trial," in which a Tennessee teacher was charged with teaching that man evolved from apes, instead of state-mandated Creationism. The drama contains a powerful confrontation between a character based on William Jennings Bryan, who believes only what he reads in the Bible, and another based on Clarence Darrow, who defends science and open intellectual inquiry.
Opening Night Cast
| Paul Muni | Henry Drummond | |
 |
Ed Begley | Matthew Harrison Brady |
| Tony Randall | E. K. Hornbeck |
Opening Night Production Credits
 |
Jerome Lawrence | Writer |
| Robert E. Lee | Writer | |
| Herman Shumlin | Director | |
| Peter Larkin | Scenic Design | |
| Ruth Morley | Costume Design | |
| Leo Freedman | General Press Representative |
Awards
Outer Critics Circle
| Year | Category | Name | Winner/Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Outstanding Play | Winner |
Tony Award
| Year | Category | Name | Winner/Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Actor in a Play | Paul Muni | Winner |
| 1956 | Direction (pre-1960) | Herman Shumlin | Nominee |
| 1956 | Featured Actor in a Play | Ed Begley | Winner |
| 1956 | Scenic Design (Play or Musical) | Peter Larkin | Winner |
