'Twelve Angry Jurors' restages classic TV play

In 1954, the television program Playhouse 90 brought Reginald Rose's incendiary drama "Twelve Angry Men" into American homes. The 90-minute teleplay centered on the murder trial of a Puetro Rican boy accused of killing his father and facing a possible death sentence.

All but one of the jurors is convinced the boy is guilty. In a small, hot room, the tempers of the frustrated jurors flare as they confront the one holdout, who refuses to change his mind.

ESU Theatre will bring Sherman L. Sergel's adaptation "Twelve Angry Jurors" to the Ronald Q. Frederickson Theatre next week. Audiences will watch the male and female characters reveal their characters, re-examine testimonies, re-enact the murder, and even threaten a new one.

The Frederickson Theatre, located in Roosevelt Hall, is ESU's newest performance space. According to director Harry parker, the 110 seat "black box" theater provides an intimate setting that will heighten the emotional impact of the play.

"We believe this will be a riveting evening of theater," said Parker. "Many people have not yet experienced a show in this beautiful, smaller theater, and we encourage them to come watch this important and wonderful play that examines the power of the American jury system."

"This production features a terrific student cast, as well as a student director, lighting designer and sound designer," he said.

The 12 jurors will be played by Megan Hill, Amy Arnott, Joe Thomas, Kristy Koelsch, Aaron Kennedy, Erin Schmidt, Mick Simons, Kathryn Standridge, Ben Pilat, Josh Christoffersen, Elizabeth Sullivan and Beth Nickerson — with David Marten as the guard.

"Twelve Angry Jurors" will be performed April 2-5 and April 9-12. at 8 p.m. each night. Because of limited seating in the Frederickson Theatre, tickets must be purchased in advance at the Roosevelt Box Office, open Monday-Friday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Early ticket purchases are recommended.

The play is recommended for audience members age 10 and older. Parker asks that parents not bring children younger that six.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>