The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial February 21, 2009

Special Media Sponsor: WMRA

Travel back in time to a sweltering, tension-filled courtroom to experience first-hand the dramatic “monkey” trial as it took place over eighty years ago. This riveting production is based entirely on original transcripts of the famous 1925 Tennessee v. John Scopes “Monkey Trial”, which challenged the newly passed Tennessee legislature’s “Butler Act” banning the teaching of evolution in the state’s public schools. The trial set the stage for an ongoing national debate over the freedom of inquiry and the separation of Church and State, issues that remain unresolved even today.

The L.A. Theatre Works performance features the well known and respected actors*: Edward Asner playing William Jennings Bryan, three-time Presidential candidate and former Secretary of State turned religious speaker; Arye Gross playing Arthur Garfield Hayes, a prominent free speech advocate; Jerry Hardin playing Judge John Raulston; and James Gleason playing H.L. Mencken, famed satirical reporter who coined the moniker “Monkey Trial” for the famous 1925 Tennessee v. John Scopes trial.

*cast subject to change

Official Website: http://www.theparamount.net/calendar_shows_greattennesseemonkeytrial.aspx