“Inherit the Wind,” the fourth offering in the Butler Little Theatre's 75th anniversary season, is now in production for a March 11 opening.

The play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee is under the direction of Bob Meals and being produced by Danyle Solomon-Verzinskie.

“Inherit the Wind” was written nearly 30 years after the Scopes Monkey trial, which discussed the teaching of evolution in public schools.

The basis of the play is the Scopes trial set in the 1920s, but it is not a historical retelling of the events; it is a work of fiction.

The two main characters, Matthew Harrison Brady (Mark Nutter) and Henry Drummond (Jerry Johnston), represent opposing sides and are the central conflict. The focus of the play is the courtroom battle that ensues from these opposing viewpoints.

“Matthew Harrison Brady is a self-appointed defender of the faith and champion of the common people,” said Mark Nutter of Jackson Township.

By day, Nutter is a software engineer at First Insight in Warrendale but by night he holds court as a thespian.

His character is set to prosecute a teacher. “The teacher is accused of teaching 'evil-ution' in the classroom, and Brady wants to make sure that only Genesis can be taught in science class,” said Nutter, who said he is enjoying the experience of his first major role.

He last appeared at BLT in the role of Inspector Cosgrove in Sam Bobrick's mystery comedy, “The Psychic.”

“We did 'Inherit the Wind' in high school, and the story has always stuck with me, especially because the real-life Scopes Monkey Trial was only slightly less dramatic,” Nutter said.

“When I saw BLT was putting it on, I was immediately interested in trying out because I thought there were a lot of parts I might be suitable for. I never expected to end up as Matthew Harrison Brady though,” he added.

His counterpart is being played by Jerry Johnston of Butler Township.

“Henry Drummond is the fictional embodiment of famed attorney Clarence Darrow, with his nimble legal mind and a passion for his cause,” Johnston said.

“I think I bring a certain 'force' to Drummond's character … while portraying his acerbic humor and ability to think quickly,” he said.

Johnston has been a huge fan of the 1960 film of the same name and watches it when it airs, he said.

“The performances by Spencer Tracy and Frederick March are pitch perfect, and the message is as important today as it was then,” he said.

The pair are joined on stage by a large cast.

Rodney Gasch of Forward Township portrays the Rev. Jeremiah Brown.

“He is the religious leader of the small town where the trial takes place. He firmly believes in the literal word of the Bible and has no tolerance for Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution,” Gasch said.

Gasch feels his loudness and ability to act angry are to his credit, but the role does come with a challenge.

“I have to make Rev. Brown likable enough so it's a surprise when he goes over the top during the revival meeting,” he said.

Gasch also remembered the movie and knew there were parts for older male actors. “I was immediately drawn to Rev. Brown's role. I've always been fascinated by speakers who can influence a crowd. Rev. Brown really does that,” he said.

Playing the role of E.K. Hornbeck, the newspaper critic, is Center Township resident Jordan Meals who will turn 24 on opening night.

“Hornbeck is a newspaper critic from the Baltimore Herald who has reported a lot about the bad and hypocritical things that happen in the world which has made him very cynical and sarcastic,” said Meals of his character.

Meals is finishing his final semester at Butler County Community College and said he will be enrolling in the Disney College Internship Program at Disney World in May.

“This role has been very different from what I have played in the past so being able to take direction from my father who is directing the show has helped me tremendously in evolving the character and myself as a more rounded actor,” Meals said.

Sue Switzer portrays Mrs. Brady, the wife of the prosecuting attorney.

“She agrees to take the witness stand to defend the state law requiring the Bible's story of creation from Genesis as the only version of creation that could be taught in schools,” said Switzer of Center Township.

“Mrs. Brady chooses to avoid the limelight, dutifully deferring to her husband, adopting his perspectives and supporting him in his career goals. She is always the 'lady,' avoiding any behavior or demeanor that might reflect unfavorably on her prominent husband,” she said.

Switzer said her sense of loyalty and her supportive roles throughout life have been invaluable in crafting this role.

“It is challenging to keep focused on the action and to respond appropriately without detracting from the action,” she said. “I have a rather assertive personality so playing a submissive role doesn't come all that naturally to me.”

She said she enjoys the storyline and the movies that resulted from the 1955 play. She feels there is a timeless message. “There is a very serious and timely message about being 'thinking' people who can sort through the rhetoric to find our own place and motivation,” she said.

“'Inherit The Wind' is a must see drama. The large cast sports a few first timers but it made up primarily of experienced actors pulled from all over the region,” she said.

The production also features Thom A. Bennett, Emele Cammisa, Abigail Campbell, John Carlson, Sharon Lee Chernick, Stephen Fogle, Nick Graham, James Hague, Chris Lilley, Lorraine Martin, Sydney Meals, Bob Newcombe, Gary Rauschenberger, Marsha Schnur, John Sherry, Susan Sontum, Dean Weiland, Dennis Whalen, and Michael Woodling.

WHO: Butler Little TheatreWHAT: “Inherit the Wind” by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. LeeWHEN: March 11 to 13 and 15 to 19, at 8:15 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayWHERE: One Howard St.TICKETS: $12, to reserve tickets, call 724-287-6781 from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.INFO: www.bltgroup.org