Considering how eager most people are to avoid a jury summons, it’s a little surprising that one of the most enduring stories of the 20th century takes place entirely within the confines of a locked jury room.
“12 Angry Men” began in 1954 as a teleplay for CBS anthology series “Studio One,” and then was adapted for the big screen in 1957. That film, which starred Henry Fonda, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture and appears on the American Film Institute’s “100 Years…100 Movies” list. In the intervening 70 years, the script has been subject to a number of adaptations for the stage and screen, in the United States and abroad. Prime Stage Theatre’s production runs through May 11 at the New Hazlett Theater on the North Side.
The 90-minute play has 12 nameless characters, only designated by their juror numbers. At the play’s opening, the voice of a judge instructs them on the responsiblity ahead of them: deciding whether a young man is guilty or not guilty of the stabbing murder of his father, with a “guilty” verdict requiring their belief that the case against the 19-year-old defendant proved his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
That phrase, “beyond a reasonable doubt,” is not only a cornerstone of the American criminal justice system but the linchpin of the play. While 11 of the jurors are originally convinced of his guilt, Juror No. 8 has doubts about the accused’s part in the crime. For the remainder of their time in that hot, stuffy space, the facts of the murder case are laid out and each man must face his own prejudices, assumptions and thought processes until a verdict is reached.
It’s a simple — and even crowded — stage, with just a table and chairs, a water cooler and fan, and assorted evidence and artifacts surrounding the 12 characters. The jurors are forced into close proximity, with nowhere to hide their feelings. But all 12 actors keep the air between them crackling with tension.
Everett Lowe is this production’s Junor No. 8, whose presence looms largest of all. His steady, methodical manner sits in contrast to the often-explosive other characters — though when he has his own outbursts, his authoritative voice makes them riveting. His opposite is Juror No. 3, played by Johnny Patalano. He’s loud, obstinate and prone to explosions. The ping-ponging between these two mens’ perspectives was engrossing.
While all of the players deserve commendation, there were a few standouts among the cast: Keith Zagorski’s sophisticated Juror No. 4; Jason X. Fernandez’s earnest and plaintive Juror No. 9; and the angry and bigoted Juror No. 10, portrayed by Paul Anderson, who did a great job with a tough role.
With such a barebones production, direction is key, and thankfully director Shane Valenzi has actual experience as a trial lawyer. He brought a critical and well-balanced eye to this play, even though he acknowledged in the post-show Q&A after Saturday’s opening night that some of what happens in the play wouldn’t really be allowed in a jury room.
Costume designer Meg Kelly dressed the jurors in mid-20th-century style, and with a clever focus on their backstories, giving these anonymous men a little bit of character through their clothes. Scenic designer Alex Barnhart and lighting designer Madeline Miessmer still had plenty of subtle tricks up their sleeves to make the stage dynamic despite its spare set. And dialect coach Lisa Bansavage deserves applause for making each man’s voice so unique — and another great indicator of class, backgound and personality for each.
“12 Angry Men” is another classic that still holds potent relevance today, reminding us of the vital tenets of the American justice system: due process, innocence until proven guilty and the concept of ” beyond a reasonable doubt.” This production puts an exceptional weight to the responsibility of that system and the people within it, while keeping the plot’s thrills and fireworks coming at every turn.
Prime Stage Theatre’s “12 Angry Men” runs through May 11 at the New Hazlett Theater on the North Side. For more information and tickets, visit primestage.com.