The Originalist

Summary

Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia believed that the United States Constitution is the most reliable source for a fair interpretation of the law as it is applied today. He was, in other words, an “originalist.” But aren’t the laws written over 200 years ago subject to interpretation—or even guesswork?

Edward Gero stars as the late Justice Scalia in John Strand’s insightful look at Scalia’s life and legal philosophy. An L.A. Theatre Works full cast performance featuring Edward Gero as Justice Antonin Scalia, Karry Warren as Cat, and Harlan Work as Brad.

Sound designed by Jeff Gardner, based on an original design by Eric Shimelonis. Includes a post-show discussion about Antonin Scalia with Nina Totenberg, NPR’s Legal Affairs Correspondent; Tara Kole, an entertainment attorney who clerked for Justice Scalia; John Bash, an assistant to the Solicitor General at the United States Department of Justice; and Tom Goldstein, a Washington lawyer who’s argued thirty-eight cases before the Supreme Court.

Directed by Molly Smith. Recorded before a live audience at the Arena Stage, Washington, DC, in June of 2016.