Some of the actors couldn't supress a smile at rehearsal. The preacher at the southern prayer meeting stood on a soapbox, delivering a fiery, Bible-waving sermon, condemning nonbelievers to "anguish and damnation."

But they got back into character fast enough to say "Amen," and plan to present "Inherit the Wind" as a serious look at the conflict between the theory of evolution and creationism.

Cast members actually hold a variety of views in the debate, co-director Pat Greiner said. So do people in the community. So it makes sense for Stage III Community Theatre to sponsor a public forum exploring the issues.

The discussion will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 21 at Stage III, 900 N. Center St.

"Inherit the Wind" is a fictionalized account of the 1925 Scopes monkey trial, where the state of Tennessee challenged a biology teacher who taught evolution, and won.

Greiner said a forum last year about the death penalty debate, in conjunction with Casper College's production of "Dean Man Walking," sparked the idea to involve the community in a discussion.

Some productions of the play tend to make fun of creationism, Greiner said.

"We're trying to be a little more respectful of the Brady character," Greiner said. "We're trying to not make him clownish or buffoonish."

Matthew Harrison Brady is the playwrights' version of William Jennings Bryan, prosecuting attorney. Bob Price plays Brady with a handkerchief, a swagger and his deep radio voice.

Will Robinson, who plays defense attorney Henry Drummond (the play's version of Clarence Darrow), has the character's trademark suspenders and his experience as a Casper College biology instructor to bring his role to life.

He said the role is perfect for him: "I believe every word he's saying."

The play was written in the 1950s, inspired by McCarthy-era communism hearings and championing the right to free thinking as much as the right to teach evolution.

Many shows Stage III produces are pure entertainment, Greiner said.

This one is entertaining, "But it's a show that makes people think. It was a way to make people see that drama is part of our culture - that it has serious things to say."