Defense Attorney Takes His Case to The StageDefense Attorney Takes His Case to The Stage

3/31/14 - He’s been making arguments for years as a local defense attorney, but starting this weekend Jim Buttrey will be delivering lines he didn’t write. Buttrey is a Howell-based defense attorney and Harvard graduate who has represented a variety of clients, including defendants in high-profile capital cases. But he says that when the curtain goes up Friday evening in the Community Theatre of Howell’s production of “Inherit the Wind,” he’ll be in front of a jury he’s never faced; a theater audience. Buttrey plays the Clarence Darrow-inspired character, Henry Drummond, in the play which is based on the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial when a Tennessee high school biology teacher was charged with illegally teaching the theory of evolution. Buttrey, who has a picture of Darrow in his office, told WHMI’s Mike & Jon in the Morning that the Darrow character was the main reason he took a leap and auditioned for the production. Buttrey says the main point of the play, which was written as a criticism of McCarthy-era political witch-hunts of the 1950’s, is that everyone has a right to think for themselves. He added that while he’s been getting the attention for his role, it’s truly an ensemble performance. Opening night is Friday at 7:30, with performances Saturday evening and then Sunday afternoon, both this weekend and next. You’ll find details through the link below. (JK)