By Larissa Villers Ferre
“…You’ve listened to a long and complex case, murder in the first degree. Premeditated murder is the most serious charge tried in our criminal courts. You’ve listened to the testimony, you’ve had the law read to you and interpreted as it applies in this case, it’s now your duty to sit down and try to separate the facts from the fancy. 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… then you must bring me a verdict of “Not Guilty”. If, however, there’s no reasonable doubt, then you must, in good conscience, find the accused “Guilty”. However you decide, your verdict must be unanimous. In the event that you find the accused “Guilty”, the bench will not entertain a recommendation for mercy. The death sentence is mandatory in this case. You’re faced with a grave responsibility, thank you, gentlemen.”
And so the audience is introduced to what they will witness in the following hour plus a few minutes of deliberation amongst twelve jurors. Twelve Angry Jurors is adapted from Twelve Angry Men to accommodate the inclusion of both men and women. I’ve seen both versions and it somehow bothers me that angry men are seen as passionate, while angry women are seen as wenches. Throughout this production, you see that in spite of the stubbornness and preconceived notions of the jurors, they are all somewhat open-minded to possibilities that life exists beyond their prejudices.
I truly found myself sitting there thinking, “Man, everyone is so angry.” A few of the jurors are more level-headed than others, but this cast excels at living up to the title of the production. Anyone who has been through the process of accepting something contrary to their beliefs knows how hard it is to let go of what you previously held as the concrete truth. You watch these jurors face those demons and the peace and humility that finally results.
One of the most poignant moments of the show is beautifully enforced through the talents of Jeremiah Wing as Juror #10. His selfish, racist outburst literally makes every other juror turn their backs on him, which symbolically represents them turning their backs on their own prejudices.
Midvale Arts Council had a huge challenge to face in the pacing of this show because it is entirely conversational with people stepping on each other’s words, arguing, yelling, and whispering all at the same time. I can hear director Melody Chapman, and producer Stephanie Johnson asserting, “Challenge accepted!” They definitely won that challenge. I watched with an eagle eye and there was not a glitch to be had.
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The only thing I saw that didn’t strike me as normal (aside from the obvious legal incorrectness of the script) was the physically interaction between jurors. There was quite a bit of touching and physical force going on. In reality, even so much as a handshake can sometimes be awkward between strangers, even those who have spent six days in a courtroom together.
The script is dated as the movie debuted in 1957, however, Midvale made some slight changes to keep things modernized – such as a juror mentioning tickets to Wicked, and the evidence displays on an LCD television equipped with an iPad and USB drive.
Another aspect I loved and always do with Midvale indoor productions is the lack of microphones. The actors all project with crystal clarity and the audience is never left cringing from feedback. Speaking of sounds, I have to plead with audience members – turn off your phones! How terrible is it when a cast member is giving a touching, loving monologue and disco music starts blaring even louder than anyone on stage can project? It’s pretty terrible. And rude. Turn them off!
For all the lovers of courtroom dramas like Law & Order or those who enjoy an intellectually stimulating, well-thought out plot, Twelve Angry Jurors is a must-see. While there are no colorful musical numbers or car chases to behold, this show will still have you on the edge of your seat.
Twelve Angry Jurors has two remaining showings – tonight and tomorrow, March 7 & 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Midvale Performing Arts Center (MPAC) 695 West Center Street (7720 South) and are presented without intermission. Tickets may be purchased online at www.midvalearts.com. Ticket prices are $7 for general admission, $5 for seniors and children, family passes are available for $25 (one household).
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