Roanoke professor’s play premieres at Supreme Court Historical Society event

A play penned by Roanoke College Public Affairs Professor Todd Peppers debuted Oct. 30 to a sold-out crowd in Washington, D.C., at an event hosted by the Supreme Court Historical Society. 
 
The one-man play, “Holmes,” showcases the humor and wisdom of famed Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.  
 
Peppers, an expert on the Supreme Court, poured years of research into the piece, visiting Holmes’ gravesite in Arlington, collecting copies of his letters, and growing familiar with the rhythms and unique “Holmes-isms” that contributed to the revered justice becoming one of the most widely cited jurists in the court’s history. 
 
This was Peppers’ first foray into playwriting. The final piece is a work of historical fiction that draws on Holmes’ writings to make deeper observations about lesser-known parts of his life, including the impact of serving in the Civil War as a young man. 

Left: The playbill for the Oct. 30 production of "Holmes." Right: Professor Todd Peppers and his family at the Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater.

Clare Cushman, resident historian for the Supreme Court Historical Society, was among the experts that Peppers consulted in his research. She said its potential stood out even in early drafts. 
 
“It was so fabulous,” she said in an interview with Roanoke’s alumni magazine. “The parts that were funny, were funny. The parts that were poignant, people were weeping. We realized that we had something quite special on our hands.” 
 
The historical society, which is based in D.C. and works to preserve the high court's history, resolved to perform the play. The production took place at the Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater.  
 
Actor Kevin Reese portrayed Holmes, and Helen Hayes Award winner Mary Hall Surface directed. The sold-out performance has spurred discussions about mounting an extended run of the play in the future. 
 
Peppers serves as Roanoke’s Henry H. & Trudye H. Fowler Professor of Public Affairs and the coordinator of its Turk Pre-Law program. He’s spearheaded events that have attracted national figures to talk with students. 

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Peppers has authored numerous books on the Supreme Court with a focus on the influential but often overlooked work of the court’s law clerks. He’s currently on sabbatical working on a biography about Chief Justice Warren Burger.