From left, Anna Tromanhauser of Main Street Dayton, Playhouse Producing Director Jim Crabtree, and Scopes Trial Festival Director Tom Davis.
The Cumberland County Playhouse was recognized for its fiftieth anniversary by both Governor Bill Haslam and the Tennessee State Museum this past weekend at the Scopes Trial Festival in Dayton.
During the festival, the Playhouse co-produced Front Page News, a historically-accurate account of the trial where William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow clashed over whether Tennessee schools would teach evolution or Biblical creation during Dayton’s 1925 "Monkey Trial." This play was mounted in the Rhea County courtroom, the original site of the influential trial 90 years ago in 1925.
Before the sold-out production on Saturday, Festival Director Tom Davis took a moment to recognize the Playhouse for its historic achievements, which include celebrating 50 years of success, reaching over five million visitors, serving as a top Tennessee tourist attraction and providing over 1,200 classes in theater, dance and music annually.
Playhouse Producing Director Jim Crabtree was then presented with a certificate of appreciation from Governor Haslam and a letter of honor from the Tennessee State Museum.
“It’s very special to be recognized by both the Governor’s office and the Tennessee State Museum,” said Mr. Crabtree. “We take pride in representing the arts community of Tennessee and are looking forward to many more years of success.”
This weekend's Front Page News shows are Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. A full schedule of activities throughout the festival can be viewed at www.scopesfestival.com. Tickets range from $23 to $25 with discounts for seniors and children.