The choosing of the fall play is always an interesting task. You want to give as many opportunities as you can to involve all interested students. When I started here four years ago, we had 17 students audition, and this year we had double that. I believe this is due to the positive experience the students have had and the passion for each selected play. No matter when they were written, be they drama or comedy, each play has been directed so that it relates to their world view in some interesting and emotional way.
This year is no exception. Inherit The Wind is a fictionalized retelling of the actual 1925 Scopes monkey trial when a Tennessee high school teacher was arrested for illegally teaching about Darwin’s Theory of Human Evolution which was included in a small section in the school’s textbook. As in many states at the time, it was illegal to teach evolution in any state-funded school. Threetime presidential candidate and former secretary of state William Jennings Bryan argued for the prosecution and famed lawyer Clarence Darrow argued for the defense. It became a huge national event and the town overflowed with reporters and interested parties from all over who had come to witness “The Trial of the Century.”
When the play opened on Broadway in 1955 it was intended as a theatrical response to McCarthyism. But that intent has faded with the constant ebb and flow of religious fundamentalism in the world. The play has been translated into over 30 languages and has enjoyed literally thousands of productions including multiple Broadway revivals, a 1960 Oscar nominated film adaptation, and several famous dramatic television adaptations. Yet the play is as controversial and timely as when it was written.
My first year of high school, in 1976, it was our fall play and no one thought anything of it. It was just a great play with lots of great roles about a famous trial. But only 13 years before that in 1963 the Rockford Illinois School Board famously sought to cancel the local high school production. Indeed today, a high school theatre teacher currently living in certain parts of the
country would think twice before choosing the play. Especially as freedoms are constantly being reexamined by our courts in our current socio-political environment. This makes Inherit The Wind as timely and politically charged now as the day it was written. Be it drama or comedy, great theatre is intended to reflect society and enable us to see things we may not have been able to see otherwise.
Both writers were in fact religious. One Christian and one Jewish. I’ll let their own words speak for themselves: “Inherit The Wind is not about the theory of evolution versus the literal interpretation of the bible. It assaults those who would constrict any human beings right to think, to teach, to learn. The play is about the dignity of the human mind. ...educated, scientifically aware people may still believe, deeply, in God”
Enjoy the play but more so all the hard work and passion the students, onstage and off, have poured into it.
—Nick CorleyLiz Morrison, Head of School
Ryan Liese, Head of Upper School
The MBS Building and Grounds Crew Rachel Platt and Barbara Napholtz
The Barn Theatre
Additional thanks to cast and crew parents for everything they do!
MAGGIE AHERN (2023) - Hornbeck - is thrilled to be joining the cast of Inherit the Wind. This is their fifth show at Morristown Beard and has been a part of shows that include Cabaret, Sweeney Todd, The Miser, Sweet Charity, and Urinetown in the past. Maggie would like to thank their amazing friends and wonderful family for supporting them through their theater journey. They would also like to thank everyone for coming to support the show. Enjoy!
JACK BAILEY (2024) - Mr. Stillers - This is Jack’s first play and second performance at Morristown Beard. He has been doing tap dancing since he was admitted to the School in seventh grade. He has gone on to pursue different aspects of the performing arts, doing stage management in last year’s production of The Miser, and performing in Sweet Charity, last year’s spring musical. He is very excited to continue doing theater!
MAE BAILEY (2025) - Stage Manager - has attended MBS since sixth grade, and is thrilled to be involved in the theater program. Inherit the Wind is the second show that they have stage managed, after last year’s musical, Sweet Charity. Mae loves stage managing, and they look forward to being a part of the School’s future productions.
JULIA BAVOSO (2023) - Mrs. Brady - is extremely grateful to be in her third production at MBS. Julia has previously been featured as Yvette in Mother Courage and the ensemble of Sweeney Todd. Julia wishes luck and thanks her fellow cast mates and the amazing crew. She is excited to continue participating productions and can’t wait to see what the future has in store.
PAIGE BENTON (2025) - Mrs. McLain - is thrilled to be a part of Inherit the Wind. She has performed in many plays in the past. Previous roles include the Duke of Weselton in Frozen, Tiny Tim in Urinetown and Chi-Fu from Mulan among many others. This is her first performance at MBS and she is so thankful to be working with such a talented cast. Break a leg!
ANDI BERGMAN (2025) - Photographer/Reporter - is so excited to be joining the cast of Inherit the Wind in her first MBS performance. Andi worked on the stage crew for the MBS productions of Sweet Charity and The Miser. Andi also enjoyed performing in Beauty and the Beast and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory prior to MBS. Break a leg everyone!
KAITLIN BLOUNT (2023) - Henrietta Drummond - has taken part in every MBS fall production during her four years here, with roles in the fall play ranging from Catherine Connolly of The Laramie Project to Henrietta Drummond of Inherit the Wind. Additionally, Kaitlin appeared on the Founders stage in The Miser, Sweeney Todd, Mother Courage, and Cabaret, and was in Schoolhouse Rock Jr. and Honk! Jr. while in Middle School. She wishes the best to her fellow cast and crew!
KAITLIN BROWN (2024) - Mrs. Blair - is excited to be performing in her fourth MBS production. Her previous roles include: Ensemble in Mother Courage, Lucy Barker in Sweeney Todd and Charity, in the musical Sweet Charity. Kaitlin wishes cast, crew and faculty, the best of luck in this year’s performances! She is extremely grateful for the opportunities that MBS has provided her to continue performing and follow her dreams!
MATIAS CORTES (2025) - Mr. Davenport - is excited to perform in his third show at MBS. Previously, he was seen in The Miser and Sweet Charity at MBS, and in a production of Zombie Prom with Vanguard Theatre Company, where he played Josh. He is so excited to share this play with the school. Break a leg everyone!
AVA D’AGOSTINO (2026) - Melinda Loomis - is very excited for her first Upper School play at MBS. In the last year, she has attended Annie’s Playhouse for singing and acting, and has taught gymnastics, singing, and acting there. After skipping the Middle School productions due to covid, in her eighth grade year, she was a part of the Middle School musical Oklahoma, in which she played Laurie Williams. She is very excited about being a part of the upper school play this year, and cannot wait to see the upcoming plays and musicals in the future.
SALVATORE D’AGOSTINO (2023) - Matthew Harrison Brady - is super excited to participate in this production of Inherit the Wind! He has been a part of shows in Morristown Beard since the 6th grade, and has made many friendships and had many great experiences. Congratulations to all of the faculty and cast for their hard effort and dedication to the show.
HENRY D’ANDREA (2024) - Judge - is thrilled to be performing in this production! Henry was seen in both Sweet Charity, The Miser, Sweeney Todd, and Mother Courage last year. As a Middle School student, Henry performed in Honk Jr., The Phantom Tollbooth Jr., and was cast as Timon in The Lion King Jr. Thanks to his family for their support, and good luck to his fellow cast and crew!
ALLISON DELZO (2026) - Mrs. Timms - is thrilled to be performing in Inherit the Wind this fall. She is new to MBS this year, and is enjoying the experience of putting on a show with her classmates. Thank you to the amazing cast and crew. Break a leg!
HANNAH EVERETT (2023) - Mrs. Loomis - is thrilled to be performing in her fifth MBS production! She has previously performed in Sweeney Todd, The Miser, and Sweet Charity among other shows. Hannah can not believe this is her final fall play at Morristown Beard and she is so glad that she was able to be involved in this amazing production. Congratulations to all of the cast and crew!
ABIGAIL EWING (2024) - Stage Manager - looks forward to returning to the stage crew as one of the stage managers for Inherit the Wind. In the past, Abby worked in the crew for Sweeney Todd, and was a stage manager for The Miser and Sweet Charity. Abby would like to thank the directors, the cast, and crew in Inherit the Wind. Break a leg!
BRIDGET EWING (2024) - Mrs. Krebs - is excited to return to the MBS stage in Inherit the Wind! Bridget has previously participated in the productions Sweet Charity, The Miser, Mother Courage, and Sweeney Todd at MBS. When not on stage, Bridget enjoys cross country, lotus club, and singing in chorus. Bridget thanks the directors, crew, and the rest of the cast for their hard work. Break a leg!
JULIANA FALZON (2026) - Eskimo Pie Hawker - is ecstatic for her first Upper School performance at MBS. She started acting in the second grade and since then performed at the Wharton Institute of the Performing Arts in Berkeley Heights. After not doing a musical for her first two years of Middle School due to the pandemic, Juliana’s first MBS performance was in Oklahoma, in which she played Cord Elam. She is very excited about her second performance and is looking forward to being in more shows in the years to come.
GWYNETH GEOGHAN (2025) - Mrs. Stebbins - is super proud to be part of the play. She would like to thank Mr. Corley, Mr. Krauss, and the entirety of the Inherit the Wind cast for making this an unforgettable and amazing experience. She hopes the show displays everyone’s hard work and dedication. Enjoy the show!
JACK GONYEA (2025) - Meeker - This is Jack’s second performance at Morristown Beard. He has been in several other productions with other theater companies and his middle school, Far Brook School. There he has done several productions, most notable being his final performance, where he played Stephano in William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Last year he played Anselme in the production of The Miser, where he got a good taste for the acting at Morristown Beard. He is excited to take another step forward in his acting journey and wishes everyone the best of luck.
MEERA IYER (2025) - Corkin - is very excited for this play that incorporates current, relevant events around us with the Scopes “Monkey” trial of 1925, Darwin’s theory of Evolution, religious references, and even some singing…in a play! She hopes the show is as much of a joy to watch as it was to work on with the amazing cast, crew and teachers. This was a great experience for her, and she is looking forward to staying involved with the MBS arts community as the years go by.
JULIA KAROSEN (2026) - Mrs. Goodfellow - is thrilled to be joining the cast of Inherit the Wind. Julia was last seen on the stage of Founders Hall in last spring’s Middle School Musical production of Oklahoma as Aunt Eller. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew!
ADIN KASMIN (2024) - Mayor - This is Adin’s fifth performance in the Upper School. Last year, Adin played the role of La Flèche in The Miser and the role of Herman in Sweet Charity. Adin is also a member of the upper school jazz band. Outside of school, Adin is involved in many other arts including playing piano and guitar, songwriting, and filmmaking. He is very excited for this performance and thanks the cast, crew and his family for their enthusiastic support.
JOEY LAVIOLA (2026) - Howard - is thrilled to be performing in his first theatrical production at MBS. While Joey is new to the stage, he has been performing as a close-up magician for many years, and delights at shuffling cards and performing tricks. Thank you to the entire cast and crew!
DYLAN MANDEL (2023) - Reverend Jeremiah Brown - is grateful and thrilled to return to the MBS stage for Inherit the Wind! This is his second performance in Founders Hall, recently seen as Manfred and others in last year’s musical, Sweet Charity. Previous roles include: Aladdin in Aladdin, Michael Banks in Mary Poppins, Flounder in The Little Mermaid, and more. Dylan has studied at UCLA, Acting Out, Performers Theater Workshop, MTCA, and more. Dylan is extremely proud to be a part of this cast, and wishes the best of luck to everyone. He sends his thanks to his family and friends, the director, and the crew for supporting him and giving him unforgettable memories.
DANIEL RAIMER (2026) - Bertram Cates - is proud to appear in his first Upper School play. Favorite credits include Oklahoma (Curly), Sweeney Todd (Tobias), and Cabaret (Boy Soprano). Outside of school, Daniel swims competitively and is working toward his third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He thanks Nick Corley, Mr. Krauss, and Mr. Marmo for this opportunity; his cross country coaches for allowing him to split time between sports and the arts; and his family for their endless support and chauffeuring services. Extra thanks to Nick for banning heels in his scenes and sharing height illusion tricks to match leading ladies in soaring stilettos!
SHIRA RADIN (2024) - Hot Dog Hawker/Radio Reporter - is thrilled to return to the MBS stage, after having appeared in The Miser, Mother Courage, and Sweeney Todd. She has previously been involved with the Perfomers Theatre Workshop and is currently managed by Acarino Nouveaux Talent Management. Congratulations to everyone involved with this production.
JONATHAN SPENCER (2025) - Mr, Dunlap - excited to feature in his second theatrical performance Inherit the Wind. He previously worked on the crew for the production of The Miser (fall of 2021), and made his debut performance in the musical Sweet Charity (spring of 2022). Jonathan is humbled to be among such a fantastic cast of fun and interesting people. He would also like to thank his family and friends who supported him during the production, with special thanks to Mr. Krauss, Nick, and Mr. Marmo for their invaluable contributions and support throughout all the shows he’s been a part of.
CHARLOTTE SUSSMAN (2025) - Bannister/Jury/Townsperson - is pleased to be a part of Inherit the Wind. Previously at Morristown Beard, they appeared in The Miser (Dame Claude) and Sweet Charity (NYC Woman/Ensemble). Credits outside of school include James in Return to Wonderland and Ariel in The Little Mermaid. Charlotte would like to thank Mr. Corley, Mr. Krauss, Mr. Marmo, and the Inherit the Wind cast and crew.
JONAH TINKELMAN (2024) - Assistant Director - is thrilled to be working with Nick Corley and helping him direct Inherit The Wind. Jonah has been a stage manager and an actor in the past. He is finishing off his understanding of making a show by working with Nick. Jonah is grateful to everyone who has helped him in his theater career and thanks the incredible actors, stage managers, and other production staff for working with him on this incredible production.
INDIYA WEINMANN (2025) - Rachel Brown - is excited to present Inherit the Wind! Indiya loves theater, running, as well as singing. She has participated in Morristown Beard’s last two shows as a Dance Hall Hostess in Sweet Charity, and Elise in The Miser. She wishes the cast good luck and hopes the audience enjoys the show!
SIMEON WILLIAMS (2026) - Elijah - is extremely excited to perform the part of Elijah in her first play at MBS. She started her acting career when she played the role of Cassie in The Adventures of Lewis and Clark and after, Simeon was overjoyed by the acting, singing, and dancing. There she found her deep passion for theater. Even though there was no show in 7th grade (pandemic), the next year, she got the opportunity to play Marian Paroo in The Music Man Jr. Now, she identifies herself as a “teacher kid” and is anxious for future shows to come!
CAMILA ZAMORA (2023) - Stage Manager - is a new member joining the stage managers this year for Inherit the Wind. She would like to thank the cast, crew and directors for welcoming her. Especially her fellow stage managers for teaching her everything they know. Break a leg!
NICK CORLEY (Guest Director) - Is happy to be working again with the wonderful students and staff at MBS where he previously directed The Laramie Project, Mother Courage, and The Miser. Current projects include associate director on Candace Bushnell’s world tour of Is There Still Sex In The City and the new musical Normal Teenage Girl which he co-wrote with Sharon Kenny. Mr. Corley was the associate director on the recent Broadway revivals of Burn This and Plaza Suite and continues to direct the award winning Woody Sez - the life and music of Woody Guthrie (also co-wrote) all over the world for the past 15 years along with many other productions of plays and musicals across the U.S. Acting credits include: Broadway (You Can’t Take It With You, On The 20th Century, Drood, Mary Poppins, A Christmas Carol, and She Loves Me) and Film/Television (Kissing Jessica Stein. Law And Order, Mysteries of Laura, High Maintenance, and Submissions Only opposite Audra McDonald).
BETTINA BIERLY (Guest Costume Designer) Bettina Bierly is delighted to return to Morristown Beard where she has previously designed costumes for Sweeney Todd, Sweet Charity and Cabaret among others. Formerly Costume Director for NYC Opera, Ms. Bierly’s work has been seen at the Dreyfuss Theater @ FDU, Central City Opera, BAM, Tanglewood, Bard Summerscape and Wolf Trap. As a lecturer, Ms. Bierly has spoken at the Metropolitan Opera, FIT, Parson’s School of Design & The Juilliard School. Recent projects include costume design for Safe Home (by Tom Hanks & James Glossman) at Shadowland Stages and costume work for New York City Ballet @ Lincoln Center.
It’s bittersweet watching you perform in your last play as a Senior. From Interplanet Janet to the Laramie Project and everything in between.
Watching you on stage has filled our lives with joy that goes beyond words.
We are so proud and happy to watch you and your fellow cast members perform!
Congratulations to the entire cast and crew!
Love, Your Family
We are so proud of your hard work and dedication, and love watching you on stage!
Congratulations to the entire cast and crew of Inherit the Wind!
Love, Mom, Dad , Luke & Ethan
Congratulations to SHIRA and the rest of the cast and crew of Inherit The Wind!
Once again we are so proud of your performance and many accomplishments. Your ability to adapt to changing roles enables your talent to shine. Love you. Grandma and Grandpa
and the whole cast and crew of Inherit the Wind!
Looking forward to seeing all your hard work come into focus. So proud of you Jack!! Love, Mom and Dad
We are proud of your hard work and dedication to learning all the roles in theater production. Congratulations to you and all of the cast and crew of Inherit the Wind! Love, Mom and Dad
Congratulations, DYLAN Break a leg! Amen! Amen! Love, Mom, Dad, Ari and Spencer
Congrats to
and the entire cast of Inherit the Wind!
We love watching you shine on stage. Keep smiling and performing. We love you.
Love, Mom, Dad, Charlie, Paige, Dex & Lun
Congratulations KAITLIN!
We are in constant amazement of your talent and that of all the MBS performers. You make it look easy but we are witness to the hard work that you put into each and every show! We are so proud of you!
Love, Mom, Dad and Natalie
Break a leg CHARLOTTE
And the whole cast & crew of Inherit the Wind! The Sussman Family
Congratulations to ANDI and the entire cast and crew of Inherit the Wind Love, Mom, Dad, Josh, Friskers and Denny
From Mom, Dad, and Alex
And the entire cast, crew, and directors.
You have become such a seasoned actress!
We truly admire your passion for the arts, your dedication, determination, and professionalism.
Much love, Your adoring family