Adapted from the award winning television movie, written by Reginald Rose, “Twelve Angry Jurors” is a beautifully constructed stage play, written by Sherman L. Sergel, directed by Tom Lazarus, and produced for the Group Rep by Stevie Stern. It is, in essence, a light comedy about dark secrets; a group of jurors who are placed together on a hot New York day, trying to reach a unanimous verdict, which could mean death for the accused, inner city teen. Just as the group of highly distinctive personalities try to come together to agree on the accused’s fate, they draw further and further apart, adding to the show’s suspense, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. It is a story of a quintessential New York courtroom drama, one of my favorite genres, the likes of Law and Order reaching a verdict on murder in the first degree. The medley of unique individuals that comprise the jury likens a dysfunctional and irascible family, with conflicts abundant. The time and place is 1958, late summer, in a New York City court jury room with bizarre characters that inhabit the space, but would truly rather be anywhere but there, preferably at a baseball game, enjoying the outdoors with a frankfurter and ice cold beer. And great conflict always makes for great drama. The first, and most obvious conflict is between each and every juror, such as juror #1 (designated foreperson), played by Melissa Strauss (at the head of the table ), along with juror 2 (Paul Cady); juror 3 (Mark Stancato); juror 4 ( Linda Alznauer); juror 5 (Tamir Yardenne); juror 6 (Cathy Diane Tomlin); juror 7 (Richard Reich); juror 8 (Neil Thompson); juror 9 (Stan Mazin); juror 10 ( Belinda Howell); juror 11 (Stephanie T. Keefer); and juror 12 (Mouchette Van Helsdingen). The jurors are instructed, very clearly, from show’s start, to distinguish facts from fantasy, but this instruction doesn’t stop the individuals sequestered together, each with his/her strong point of view and frame of reference. At one point, it seems that the jurors won’t speak to each other, or see eye to eye on a mutual decision and a dispute escalates, as a knife is clearly present on the courtroom table, presenting a very real and clear, present danger. The dispute adds insult to injury. One very sentimental, compelling quote from the judge (Bob McCollum) was “One man is dead, another man’s life is at stake, if there’s a reasonable doubt in your minds as to the guilt of the accused, even a reasonable doubt, then you must bring me a verdict of “Not Guilty”. The verdict rests in the hands of this medley of characters , who unanimously agree that the room temperature is hot, but their verdict decision is not as cut and dry as the weather. A majority of the story includes highly witty and amusing banter amongst the jurors, despite their inability to reach a unanimous decision. All they truly want and agree on, is to finish up their discussion and go on with their own lives, respectively, yet the higher the anger rises, the higher the temperature and suspenseful energy. The playwright employs a most clever conceit, right from the start, introducing the twelve jurors, who seem amiable enough who very much interact well onstage, yet the more they delve into the case’s details and timing of the crime, the more they disagree. At the heart of the discussion is “a tough, angry kid, kicked around all his young life, a product of a broken home, no fault of his own, and now dead,” the first shock to the audience. The jury members, too, each come with their own personal baggage, making for a very humorous, at times, and serious, at others, a very worthwhile and illuminating debate. A case worthy of preparing law students, training to be lawyers, and the audience, as well, to how the story and final verdict, will unfold. Compared to the movie version, the play takes place all on one simple, basic set, and the acting and decision making is always static, in flow with the audience at hand. And indeed, the plot’s twists are very interactive, and fluid. When one particular juror realizes the verdict is not going in the direction he had hoped, he becomes the villain of the group, the minority dissenter, who aims to convince the others of his point of view. The show’s plot and theme is so relevant to today’s current political climate and events, a commentary on the fact that “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” In fact, this show could’ve been set in the present day, and resonate with so many of today’s societal issues. Each juror, and the relationships formed, are wonderfully performed by a highly talented and cohesive ensemble, who clearly did the proper research on this sophisticated legal drama. Each juror appears, giving their own decision and rationale,extrapolating on the stress heaped upon each one to make the “right decision that will seal a person’s fate.” The myriad of eccentrics and temperaments, from calm to angry, adds to the show’s overall sizzle and success. Creatively, almost in dream sequence recollection, just as a juror renders a clearly thought out decision, another suddenly appears, with a quirky yet equally rational retort. One example is the reference to the bedroom window, and if the view of the crime scene was obstructed or visible. Another juror questioned if the witness had time to wear his eyeglasses to properly view the crime taking place. This powerful, poignant play has many such messages about racism, apology, guilt, innocence, forgiveness, and retribution, themes, one would be apt to hear in a courtroom setting, the ultimate place of judgment. Gems of dialogue filled the entire performance. Adding levity to all the angst and conflict are the medley of original and quirky jurors, straight out of a Wes Anderson style film. And, amidst all the chaos and conflicts, will there finally be resolution? Come see for yourself… at the Lonny Chapman Theatre at the Group Rep in North Hollywood. LA theatre-goers are lucky indeed to have such a production in town!
Through March 3
Fridays and Saturdays 8 PM
Sundays 2 PM
The Group Rep
10900 Burbank Blvd
818 7635990
http://www.thegrouprep.com
Bonnie Priever Curtain Up 