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HTG sweeps away audience with 'Inherit the Wind'

Abstract:
Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee's creation was done justice by the Hillel Theater Group. ...

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john H

posted 11/25/08 @ 6:11 AM EST

Great review. I agree with almost all of it. Especially the part about the evolution lawyer, who stole the show.

The only part I don't agree with is about the reverend, who I believe played his character well. I was surprised to see you single him out. The prayer scene was great.

Other than that, great article.

John
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Daniel L

posted 11/25/08 @ 11:46 AM EST

As a member of the cast of Inherit The Wind, I think there's one name that was left out of this review that needs to be mentioned - Marti Dembowitz, our director. This was an ensemble show- the town of Hillsboro was as much on trial as was Bertram Cates, and it was Marti who wove each actor's individual performance together into a unified production. Marti's philosophy, which she reminded the cast daily, was that each and every character in this show is unique and important to the strength of the show as a whole. After every rehearsal, Marti would give each castmember detailed notes on their individual performances, regardless of whether or not that person had any lines in the scene. In doing so, she encouraged each actor to take ownership of his or her role, and made Inherit the Wind the show it was.
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Alex D

posted 11/25/08 @ 3:15 PM EST

I am disappointed with your assessment on Daniel Katz as well. As a cast member, working on all scenes daily, I've come to understand the characters a lot more than how they seem on paper. Yes, Jeremiah Brown is a reverend and must lead the town of Hillsboro in their faith. However, by your assessment it seems this is all you expected of him. You expected Reverend Brown just to be one of those stereotypical reverends you see on TV - the reverend you saw in the final scene of Act I, where I believe Dan was quite overbearing and, actually, scary. However, one must keep in mind that Reverend Brown is also a person and a father. Does an actor always act? Does a doctor always diagnose? No. I respect and commend Dan and Marti (the director) for knowing when Reverend Brown is a reverend and when he is a townsmen. I believe Dan did a wonderful job, and word-of-mouth seems to agree as well. this is your opinion, though, and not literal fact. Overall, I respect your review and appreciate that the Justice is able to print a complete and decent review a production at Brandeis. I hope that it continues to do so for all productions next semester.
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Sarah S

posted 11/25/08 @ 10:54 PM EST

Actually, Avram has been in a show every semester for the last 2 years. I hardly count that as "rarely seen." He is a very talented student and it becomes obvious show after show. He had leads in Once Upon a Mattress, Fools, and Thoroughly Modern Millie (though he had long hair then so maybe you didn't recognize him so that is why you think he is "rarely seen.").
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Marianna F

posted 11/26/08 @ 2:12 PM EST

First off, thank you for the comments, whether complimentary or not--I'm always curious to see if people agree with my assessment or not and sadly, most people don't seem to notice at all. Secondly, I didn't exactly single Daniel Katz out, I thought his overall performance was good, I just think he could have done more with it (the fact that you bring up the prayer scene seems to support this as this scene was either in the last minutes of the 1st act or sometime in the 2nd, which was ample time for the reverend to establish his presence). Also, this was the first time I'd ever seen Avram and what I meant was his caliber of acting his rarely seen. In regards to Marti, I know I didn't mention her, but it is often difficult to incorporate a director in a review or assessment b/c it is difficult to draw the line between the director's choice and the actor's blunder/brilliance.
Anyway, thanks just for reading it.

Oh, and what I didn't mention:

The lighting provided by David Sheppard-Brick illuminated the scenes and situations as much as it literally did the stage. He captured the essence of a hot summer day, the back lighting oozing a haze onto the set.
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Sarah

posted 11/26/08 @ 2:49 PM EST

How did the prayer scene not "establish his presence." It was one of the best scenes of the show...

I think, agreeing with an earlier comment, you were too stuck on the stereotypical bigoted reverend.
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Juror # 6

posted 12/01/08 @ 12:16 AM EST

What about us? The Jurors did a great job!
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THE REAL JUROR #6

posted 12/02/08 @ 2:36 PM EST

Originally posted by

Juror # 6

 What about us? The Jurors did a great job!


I truly do believe that the Jury Crew, especially on Thursday night, were played by some amazing actors. They were silent yet significant. Subtle, yet substantial. Their mannerisms, reactions, and mere presence added much to the performance.

On a more serious note, Marti Dembowitz, was incredible as a director. She was fierce when necessary and it was a pleasure to work with/under her and I would welcome any chance to work for her again.

Also-Marti Dembowitz for Hillel President '09-'10. Start campaigning now.
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Ashley

posted 12/07/08 @ 7:06 PM EST

A well-deserved review, for a well-done show.
I was thoroughly impressed by each and every performance in this great, important production. It was among the top plays that I have seen at Brandeis without a doubt.

Needless to say, Marti- you brought this vivid play to life with all of your heart and soul, and it showed. You deserve so much credit for expressing your vision and putting together such an incredible performance. All of your friends are so proud of you and love you for it. You are wonderful.
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