By McKay Jenkins
Twelve Angry Jurors is a favorite of mine and from the moment you walk in the theatre, set design by Vic Groves and Michelle Groves immediately pulls you in to the world of the play. The Empress is a unique space with the audience on two sides of the stage. This is obviously a challenging set-up for set design and yet the set is superbly constructed and truly makes you feel as though you are in the room with the jurors. Michelle Groves also provided direction for the piece. Although the audience is on two sides of the stage, not once did I feel like I was missing a pivotal moment. Groves’ blocking was superb and ensured the audience always has a clear view of the proceedings. Her attention to detail with each actor and their unique characters does not go unnoticed and makes the show feel incredibly real.
Costumes by Ty Whiting are appropriate for the time period and help distinguish each juror from the next. It is obvious a lot of thought has gone in to each piece and Whiting’s costuming helps remind the audience of the time period and keep each of the twelve jurors straight.
This is a true ensemble piece. Of the twelve jurors, not one stood out as a weak link. All are completely committed to their characters, even when they have long stretches with no talking. Lindsay Higbee as Juror #6 was a particular standout. Although this juror does not have as many lines as the others, Higbee is always engaged in the unfolding drama and her reactions are believable and make you feel the gravity of the situation.
Matthew Binns as Juror #8 and Sean Buckley as Juror #3 play well off of each other. Both Binns and Buckley make great acting choices that help convey the complexity of the situation. Rebecca Cook as Juror #2 and Emma Thomas as Juror #12 also stand out with their comic relief moments. Their comedy, however, is grounded in realism and doesn’t take you out of the seriousness of the show. Cook and Thomas also are wonderful about interacting with the other jurors and reacting to the events unfolding around them even when they have long stretches with no lines.
If you are looking for a gripping, relevant drama, Twelve Angry Jurors at The Empress Theatre will not disappoint. Due to some graphic descriptions of a homicide, I would suggest not taking the little ones to this production. However, any mature teenager would be captivated by the absorbing legal drama. This is a riveting piece of theatre that does not get produced often in Utah. Treat yourself to an enthralling piece of theatre you will surely be discussing for days afterwards.
Empress Theatre Presents Twelve Angry Jurors, by Sherman L Sergel
Empress Theatre 9104 2700 S, Magna, UT 84044
November 9-10, 12, 15-17, 2018, 7:30 PM Mon, Thurs-Sat.
Tickets: $12
Contact: 801-347-7373
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheEmpressTheatre/
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/305149813405474/
McKay Jenkins, Vic Groves, Michelle Groves, Ty Whiting, Lindsay Higbee, Matthew Binns, Sean Buckley, Rebecca Book, Emma Thomas,Sherman L Sergel
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