For some reason, which I will never understand, the debate between Evolution and Creationism is still a prickly issue.

(l. to r.) Bob Nelson, Diane Sokolowich, Garney Johnson, and Paul Costen.

Perhaps because it is able to evoke such strong reactions on both sides of the argument, the issue has already been the subject of a well-known drama, Inherit the Wind, a stage adaptation of the Scopes Monkey Trial. It is now being debated onstage again, this time in Darwin in Malibu, an incisive comedy by Crispin Whittell, currently running at Generic Theater.

When the play begins Charles Darwin (Bob Nelson) is lounging on the deck of a beach house in Malibu in a Hawaiian shirt and shades, reading a book of questionable literary value. His companion is Sarah (Diane Sokolowich), a comely young woman with a propensity for joint rolling. They are soon joined by Thomas Huxley (Paul Costen), an avowed Agnostic and one of Darwin’s most passionate supporters, known in the 19^th Century as “Darwin’s Bulldog.” When they are joined by Bishop Samuel Wilberforce (Garney Johnson), the stage is set for a very witty, sometimes controversial, but always very smart rehash of the old debate about the Big Questions. It seems surprisingly fresh this time around, particularly since the three principal characters have no idea why they’re in Malibu; after all, they’ve been dead for well over a century.

Those familiar with the principals, in particular Huxley and Wilberforce’s famous 1860 debate at a British Association meeting in Oxford, may find more to like than those who are unacquainted with the specifics of the play’s historical context. However, Whittell’s script begins with such a mind-bending premise that it may not matter. Director Matthew Friedman has done a crackerjack job staging the show, with several clever touches.

(l. to r.) Bob Nelson, Garney Johnson.

Darwin in Malibu is, though, an actor-driven event, and all four of them are fantastic. Bob Nelson is a long dependable figure on local stages, and he does his usual delightful work here. Sokolowich, whom I have not seen much in other productions, is a revelation. She scores well in her comedic bits, but really shines in her quiet and emotional scenes. Johnson is a powerful presence, a focused and committed character actor who brings a believable buffoonery to the character of Wilberforce. Costen plays Huxley with intellectual fortitude as an energetic dogmatic. His entrance in the middle of the first act brings a spark of life to the proceeding that builds to a fever pitch by evening’s end.

The beach house set, designed by director Friedman and Nicholas Thornburg is attractive, and contains several nice touches, including a table whose wobbly leg is supported by a carefully chosen list of books throughout the course of the evening.  Michael Nardulli’s sunny lighting design and Celia Burnett’s costumes are nice additions to the physical production.

So, given its controversial subject matter, is Darwin in Malibu going to alienate audiences or spur protests? It is unlikely. Even though Whittell does not hide his agenda, even passionate Creationists may be able to find humor in the preposterous situation in the script. The writing is droll, the performances impressive, and the staging witty. Generic’s production of Darwin in Malibu is an evening at the theater I highly recommend.

Darwin in Malibu is currently playing at Generic Theater Down Under Chrysler Hall through April 18. Tickets are $15.  Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, or can be reserved at the Generic Box Office by phone (441-2160) or at the Generic Theater website (www.generictheater.org). Visit the website for more information.