The Scopes Trial at 101
They argued all day in court, then together went to the Hotel Aqua for supper—now you try it!
Of course, you can leave the legal arguments and courtroom drama to the actors, but plan to join the cast of Destiny in Dayton for Dinner with the Cast after the play on July 26, 2026!
During the Scopes Trial in 1925 “the lawyers fought with all the passion and legal tricks they could muster, but at the end of the court session they left their battle in the courtroom and went to dinner together down the street at the Aqua Hotel,” said Rick Dye, president of Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation. “We are delighted to offer this option once again for guests at the 37th annual dramatization of the Scopes Trial.”
The hotel is gone, but guests will enjoy a 1920s-themed meal in the Dayton City School cafetorium, with dinner music presented by Scenic City Sound, a “Big Band” ensemble from Chattanooga.
“Because of the weather this July, we moved from tents on the courthouse yard to the school,” Dye said. “Our guests loved the air conditioning, so we have decided to make the cafetorium our regular venue for the dinner. Plus, there is room to dance if you want to take advantage of the classic tunes.”
Destiny in Dayton is a dramatic retelling of the Scopes Trial, billed as a battle over creation and evolution, but which became a preview of 21st century arguments about parental rights, academic freedom, majority and minority rights and more. Presented in the courtroom which hosted the original trial, some 90 percent of the dialog is taken from the trial transcript. In addition to the Dinner with the Cast performance, shows are scheduled for July 17, 18 and 24.
Tickets for Dinner with the Cast and other performances are available HERE.
Support for the Scopes Trial Play & Festivities comes from local sponsors and the Tennessee Arts Commission.
