Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2010 23:23:22 -0500
From: gina harrison
Subject: NHS Thespians Present Classic Legal Drama
Before Law & Order, or Boston Legal, LA Law, Perry Mason or even To Kill a Mockingbird, there was 12 Angry Men. Join the Northwood Acting Ensemble for a presentation of this historic drama, November 18, 20 & 21.
First telecast live on Westinghouse Studio One in September 1954, the story by Reginald Rose begins after closing arguments of a murder trial. It follows the jury deliberations deciding the fate of the young man accused. A guilty verdict means the death penalty. Reasonable doubt means they must acquit. The decision must be unanimous.
Rose revised the teleplay for the stage in 1955 and adapted it yet again for the 1957 film. 12 Angry Men returned to television in 1997 and debuted on Broadway in 2004, 50 years after it was created. The Roundabout Theatre production won the 2005 Tony for Best Revival of a Play.
Directed by Dr. Lori Carlin, the NHS production features the typical nameless jury (characters are identified only as Juror #1, Juror #2, etc.), but here they are played by a cast of 8 women and 4 men. Acting Ensemble alumni member Candace Perry has a cameo as Juror #6. Every year the Ensemble chooses a show that represents their numbers, talents, and interests. “We felt like this was a great choice for our Ensemble because while the show is timeless, we were able to conduct research on the NC SBI investigations, the Innocence Project, and various other current events” says Dr. Carlin. The show is often produced as 12 Angry Women or 12 Angry Juriststo reflect gender variety. “We decided to produce the show under the original title in order to maintain its integrity. The Constitution states that ‘all men are created ’ which is now interpreted to encompass every man AND woman, regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or religious background. Our characters clearly have individual identities, and yet in this instance they are called upon to be peers in a murder trial. This whole process has made for a very interesting learning experience.”
Performances on Nov 18 and 20 begin at 7pm. The matinee on Sunday, November 21 begins at 3pm. A discussion with the cast follows the performance. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased online at www.seatyourself.biz/northwood or at the door.