WELCOME to AMERICAN MONKEYS (LIVE)!
Our re-CREATION of the SCOPES MONKEY TRIAL
In honor and celebration of the trial's 100th anniversary (July 1925-July 2025)
What is 'American Monkeys'? The Scopes Monkey Trial Transcripts in the world's first published abridgment.
American Monkeys was created by A.J. Schaar & workshopped by New Fortune in collaboration with experts in theology, science, civil rights, history, humanities, education, and of course, the literary and performing Arts.
What is The Scopes 'Monkey Trial'? A groundbreaking moment where science, religion, education, and legislation collided in America's consciousness. More news was reported, worldwide, about this trial than any other event in America, including the Civil War.
MEET THE CAST & CREATIVES
Andrew Barnicle*
is
William Jennings Bryan
Bo Foxworth*
is
Gordon McKenzie
Matthew Henerson*
is
Clarence Darrow
Melanie Lora*
is
Dudley Field Malone
Neil McDonald
is
John Scopes (& Ensemble)
Matthew Floyd Miller*
is
H.L. Mencken (& Ensemble)
Walter Murray
is
Judge John Raulston
Adam Sheldon
is
The Bailiff, Mr. Sherriff
Bruce Turk*
is
A.G. Tom Stewart
Shana Wride*
is
Arthur Hays of the ACLU
Directed by Richard Baird
Abridgement by A.J. Schaar
American Monkeys (LIVE)
American Monkeys ain't Inherit the Wind. This here's the Truth of History.
"We have done crossed the Rubicon!"
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It ain't too late to SHOW YOUR SUPPORT for AMERICAN MONKEYS right'ere!
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AMERICAN MONKEYS, YOU SAY?
EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT!
Our Thanks Goes Out to The PRESS!
You heard it here first, folks...
(Union Tribune Review by Pam Kragen!)
"The highly ambitious project, “American Monkeys,” didn’t just recall a famous historical event from America’s past. It also brought into sharp focus how everything old is new again in modern-day America, where religious conservatism is once again on the rise."
New Fortune’s ‘Monkeys’ aims to re-create the experience of famed 1925 trial
The Scopes Monkey Trial, which challenged the teaching of evolution in public schools, is at the heart of immersive event July 26
(Union Tribune Preview by David Coddon!)
American Monkeys: a theatrical festival in honor of a media circus
New Fortune Theatre event re-presents the Scopes Monkey Trial, 100 years later
(San Diego Reader Preview by J.M. Perkins!)
Richard Baird (Director of) and Amanda Jane Schaar (Writer of) AMERICAN MONKEYS
(photo by Nick Kennedy) 2025
Clarence Darrow (Defense of) and William Jennings Bryan (Prosecution of) John T. SCOPES
1925
AMERICAN MONKEYS was brought to you by
The New Fortune Theatre Co. in proud partnership with
The Westminster Presbyterian Church's Committee of Peace and Justice,
The Friends of the San Diego Public Libraries,
The San Diego Public Library Foundation,
and The San Diego Central Library.
Thanks Y'All For Making HISTORY LIVE Again!
American Monkeys is The Scopes Monkey Trial Transcripts in
the world's first published abridgment.
Created by A.J. Schaar & workshopped by New Fortune in collaboration with experts in theology, science, civil rights, history, humanities, education, and of course, the literary and performing Arts.
Available free online and for purchase where books are sold
Click "THAT BOOK!" cover for details.
(You will be directed to the author's website ajschaar.com)
"You cannot destroy thought." - Clarence Darrow
"They shut God out of the world." - William Jennings Bryan
"You people come to hear a trial. This is not a circus!" - The Bailiff
"Let them have both! Let them both live!" - Dudley Field Malone
"We are great when we fight the battle out and be friends."
- Judge Raulston
"Evolution means change." - Hunter's A Civic Biology, pg. 194