by dick kerekes dickkerekes@yahoo.com
Currently on the stage of the Times Union Center, FCCJ Artist Series brings the acclaimed Twelve Angry Men, with an all star cast headed by Richard Thomas of TV fame (The Waltons). The final performance is Sunday May 18th. Do see it, it is an exceptionally production in every way.
The intriguing plot concerns a murder case jury that is about to vote guilty but is convinced otherwise by one doubting member, juror # 8 played by Thomas. This is brilliantly tight character melodrama that is a 90 minute totally absorbing experience.
Twelve Angry Men was written by Reginald Rose and was originally a l954 teleplay on CBS. In l957, first time director Sidney Lumet, made it into a movie starring Henry Fonda. It received several Academy Award nominations and is listed by The American Film Institute as of the best 100 films in the past one hundred years. In l964 it was adapted by Mr. Rose into a play. It was revived on Broadway in 2004, and received four Tony nominations.
This jury drama remains timeless as an example of determining the guilt or innocence of the accused and has been a part of the legal system for eternity. In fact if you are seeing this play for the first time, the only thing that dates it at all is the fact that the all male jury walk into the jury carrying felt hats that were popular in the 30s,40s and into the early 50s.
This production is directed by Scott Ellis who also directed the very successful revival. His staging is excellent with the various jurors speaking their opinions while using the entire room to move and interact with others. This production has been on the road all across the country since January of this year and has developed into a magnificent ensemble of team work as all the action seems natural and not forced. The performers are expertly miked so there is no problem hearing every word any place in the auditorium.
You would not think there would be anything special with a set that is only a unairconditoned jury room with a long table and 12 chairs around it, but is it picture perfect. It looks like a room in an older court house, with high ceilings. To the right are windows and you can see an adjacent building outside. As the deliberations went on, the sun began to fade and go down. Florescent lights are turned on and it begins to rain outside the windows. When you go, notice the clock on the left wall since it actually works and you can tell at what point you are in the play by a quick glance at the clock.
Each character is important to the play and each role is so well written and cast it became for me a totally mesmerizing experience. The tension mounts as each cast their votes guilty or not guilty, some changing as different viewpoints are presented.
While the jury has to determine if there is reasonable doubt to convict the young man accused of killing his father, you will have no doubt at all that you have had a truly exceptional theatrical experience. See it before it closes on Sunday the l8ith, before it moves on to the final two stops on this tour.
Call FCCJ Artist Series at 632-3373 for information and reservations.
Article Published in the May 2008 Issue of EU Jacksonville
|
