Critics Rating- 3.5 out of 5 spotlights
12 Angry Men, the classic play, written in 1954 as a teleplay, arrived at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts last Tuesday to a small but appreciative audience. Currently starring Richard Thomas, this production, written by Reginald Rose and presented by the Roundabout Theatre Company is sure to deliver an emotional piece of acting.
12 Angry Men tells the story of a jury deliberation in 1945. 12 jurors are sent into a jury room to decide if a 16 year old is guilty of murdering his aggressive father. At the first vote, the decision is 11-1 in favor of guilty and it is up to one juror to convince 11 other members that he is not guilty. Throughout the performance, personal prejudices are exposed and people are revealed as to who they really are.
Richard Thomas, best known for his role in The Waltons, plays Juror #8, the role most known as being played by Henry Fonda in the 1957 classic movie. Even though Thomas did not fully fulfill his obligation of being persuasive, the full cast pulled him through and made the performance a very enjoyable night. Thomas seemed to be smiling the entire show and even though his demeanor did not fit a courthouse, he delivered his case.
The other 11 jurors were absolutely amazing. Specific recognition belongs to Juror #3, played by Julian Gamble. #3 is the most stubborn juror in the play and Mr. Gamble plays the role perfectly. Through constant yelling and a rude demeanor, Juror #3 is the character in the play that the audiences are attracted to hate. Also, Juror #7, played by Mark Morettini, is another character that shows the prejudices of man. In the beginning of the play, the audience learns that this juror has tickets to a baseball game that night. He cares more about the game then he does the outcome of the trial.
Through five main testimonies and physical evidence, the case and the truth of all jurors are revealed. Audiences will be mesmerized as to the final outcome of the show and will be sure to give a standing ovation at the curtain call.
The Roundabout Theatre Company and Stanford’s Broadway Across America present 12 Angry Men. This longest running play at the Roundabout Theatre Company played for 260 performances and was nominated for three Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Play. Currently playing through May 4th, this show is the last production for the 2007-2008 Broadway Across America Fort Lauderdale season.
For further information about The Roundabout Theatre Company, visit www.roundabouttheatre.org. For further information about the 2008-2009 Broadway Across America Ft. Lauderdale season, visit www.5minstocurtain.com or www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.
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