Inherit the Wind at Goodman Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...By the end of the night, a viable argument gets made here that "Inherit the Wind" is not so much a clash of legal titans but more of a picture of a community under the stress of change. That's probably a good way to update this play. And this is a very elegant visual production with a simple but rich set designed by Collette Pollard."

Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended

"...With "Inherit the Wind" the defense falls to the fictional Henry Drummond. Like Darrow, Drummond is a nationally known champion for civil rights. At the Goodman, he's played by Black actor Harry Lennix. The choice means that when locals paint Drummond as "a creature of the devil" and a "force of darkness," their words come with a historical context embedded in violent, vicious racism."

Daily Herald - Highly Recommended

"...The Goodman Theatre’s 2024-25 season is off to a smart and savvy start with a timely revival of Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s “Inherit the Wind.” Director Henry Godinez’s incisive and inclusive production of this hit 1955 Broadway drama not only functions as an anniversary-anticipating historical relic, but also uncannily feels like a current reflection of culture-war battles being waged in the U.S. today."

Talkin Broadway - Somewhat Recommended

"...The Goodman Theatre is opening its 2024/2025 season with Inherit the Wind, by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. Although the production, directed by Henry Godinez, is anchored by an outstanding performance by Harry Lennix (and a very strong cast across the board), and though the play's themes remain as relevant in 2024 as they were in 1955 (or 1925, when the historical trial on which the play is based occurred), things don't entirely click here, and despite the aspirations voiced by Artistic Director Susan V. Booth there is, surprisingly, something of a dusty polemic."

Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended

"...Dubbed “The Trial of the Century,” the inspiration for Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s Inherit the Wind was a milestone in the American legal system: It’s the first time science vs. religion found its way to the public courthouse. The Scopes trial pitted the revolutionaries of scientific development against religious fundamentalists, who had the law on their side. The Goodman Theatre’s production of this timeless masterpiece is exactly what theatregoers need. Especially in this tumultuous election season."

Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended

"...While Goodman's Inherit the Wind may not have reached the fiery intensity of Tracey and March, Lennix and Gemignani's performances were undeniably powerful, drawing the audience into the historical events surrounding this true-life drama. In the play, I had hoped that Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee would have provided more material around the trial, giving Lennix and Gemignani more opportunities to engage in a lively debate on religion versus evolution."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...I won't give away the story line, but will tell you that this cast was powerful. I always say that some plays need a tight ensemble to make it work, and this is one of those spots. While Harry Lennix is absolutely convincing in the role of Henry Drummond, the Chicago attorney brought in to defend Bertram, and Alexander Gemignani is perfect inn the role of Matthew Harrison Brady, his opponent, it takes a village ( the ensemble) to truly make this production stand out as one of the year's best!"

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...Henry Godinez's entertaining and enlightening production of this American classic, breathes new life into Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee's fictional dramatic treatment based upon the Scopes Trial. It's a play, liberally laced with levity, that, despite being about a newsworthy event from 1925, is as relevant today as when the Trial took place. The story supports our freedom to think whatever we wish. Unlike the claims and demands made by certain controversial political pundits, whose "fake news" contradicts proven scientific facts and historical events, no one should be denied the freedom of thought."

Buzz Center Stage - Highly Recommended

"...The Goodman Theatre's production of "Inherit the Wind," written by the same duo who brought us "Auntie Mame" (Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee), expertly directed by Henry Godinez, offers a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the clash between religion and science."

The Fourth Walsh - Recommended

"...INHERIT THE WIND is an interesting snippet of history in the evolution of thought since evolution is now widely accepted. Even though church vs state continues to be gut-wrenching, heated discourse… spurred by fanatics, INHERIT THE WIND is a pleasant return to simpler times and civil debates."

Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended

"...Inherit the Wind at Goodman Theatre has no flashy costumes or rapid costume changes, no chorus or dance squad. It’s simply two hours of enthralling courtroom drama with lacerating wit about faith and science."

Chicago Theater and Arts - Recommended

"...The 1955 play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee was written as a vehicle to shed light on the anti-communist proceedings of the McCarthy era. But, the story resonates with us again in 2024 as many of the same and several new public conflicts are debated between those holding opposing political ideologies as well as fundamentalist religious beliefs versus scientific discovery. (Think book-banning in some libraries and schools)"

PicksInSix - Highly Recommended

"...The citizens of rural Hillsboro, clustered four-deep in the steamy courthouse, leaning in and transfixed by the sudden turn of events at the trial of Bertram Cates (Christopher Llewyn Ramirez), accused of teaching Darwin's theory of evolution in his 2nd grade classroom. Leading Cates's defense is Henry Drummond (Harry Lennix) who is grilling the prosecuting attorney-and his old friend-Matthew Harrison Brady (Alexander Gemignani) on the witness stand about philosophy and scriptures after the judge (Kevin Gudhal) has refused to allow any men or women of science to testify for the defense.."

MaraTapp.org - Highly Recommended

"...The timeliness and relevance of Inherit the Wind, the 1955 play about the infamous "Scopes Monkey Trial" that pitted the Bible against Darwin's Theory of Evolution and good old American Free Speech, couldn't be more obvious in Goodman Theatre's excellent remount. The decision to make this Broadway hit the 2024-25 season opener pays homage to our continuing battle between religion and science, belief and fact. It also bears noting that this play serves as both a reminder of the small-town trial that grabbed our nation's attention and a history lesson about an important milestone nearly 100 years ago."

Chicago Culture Authority - Highly Recommended

"...It's much to Alexander Gemignani's credit that his character, fading national political force Matthew Harrison Brady, more than holds his own against his old ex-friend Drummond in court until he is finally undone by an attorney who knows exactly which buttons to push. Far from a straw man religious blowhard, Gemignani gives us a Brady with multiple layers, which makes his ultimate defeat that much more satisfying if bittersweet."

BroadwayWorld - Recommended

"...While the play is clearly pro-evolution (like this critic), this production also hammers home INHERIT THE WIND’s message that free speech, debate, and novel ideas are important for societal progress...and that we’d be wise to take the concept of respectful debate to heart."

NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...As theater art, the show is a triumph. How about as a message for our age delivered by a decades-old play crafted in a different political moment? It’s tempting to say that America is rewinding the past, with the country split between those wed to traditional fundamentalisms and convinced beyond doubt in old teachings and those whose beliefs are shaped by empirical modern science and by a belief that people should be allowed their own choices."