Review: The CORE Theatre offers a unique experience with 12 ANGRY JURORS

12 ANGRY JURORS 

Directed by Stan Kelly
Produced by The Core Theatre

Audience Rating: PG
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Performance: Yes
Production Sound Level: Comfortable Sound Level
Noises or Visuals to Prepare for: none
Running Time: 80 minutes, no intermission

Reviewed by Glynda Welch

Stage actors, film actors, voice-over talent, and more make up the talented cast of 12 ANGRY JURORS at The Core Theatre. This diverse group mirrors the diversity of the backgrounds and experiences these jurors bring to the murder trial they are asked to adjudicate. 12 ANGRY JURORS is based on the 1954 TV drama 12 ANGRY MEN written by Reginald Rose. It was adapted for the stage by Sherman L. Sergel in 1955 and made into an Oscar-nominated film in 1957. A large portrait of President Dwight Eisenhower in the jury room sets the time period for a drama that examines how prejudice, fear and bias can get in the way of fairness and justice.

This is a complex group of authentic humans. Kudos to Director Stan Kelly. Scott Hickman (Juror Four,) Jason Davis (Juror Eight,) Ken Schwartz (Juror Ten) and Ivy Opdyke (Juror Eleven) are well known to North Texas area audiences of live theater. Hickman and Schwartz are masterful in gradually releasing their initial certainty and allowing themselves to examine doubt. Davis takes what could be a pompous and uncooperative character and infuse him with the humanity needed to help his fellow jurors hear their own quiet voices. Opdyke’s immigrant juror has the gentle strength born of overcoming. David Slater (Juror Three) plays a pivotal role as the juror who can’t get past his own personal tragedy to think clearly about the case he is deciding. An accomplished jazz singer in addition to acting, Slater hits all the right notes that lead to a dramatic crescendo. Kathleen McNamara (Juror One) leads the jury and tries to keep them on-task. 

There are a couple of really nice moments where McNamara flirts with the Guard (Daniel White) when she summons him to ask for requested evidence for review. White has appeared in previous shows with The Core as well as with The Company of Rowlett Players (CORP). Joseph Figueiras (Juror Two) brings some humor into the production with his wishy-washy character. Dalton Glover (Juror Twelve) also supplies some light moments with his slightly smarmy advertising executive’s character. Trevor Powell (Juror Five), Juanda Tate (Juror Six), Russell Johnson (Juror Seven), and Carol Kilgore (Juror Nine) all bring well-developed characters into the jury room. Writer and director Eric Vale is never seen, but provides the Judge’s recorded voice-over instructions to the jury opening the show.

CORE artistic director James Hansen Price also served as set designer/carpenter and producer for this production. Kenneth Hall designed both lighting and sound and served as board operator. Costumes are by Timothy Norris, with Roxi Taylor contributing as Hair/Makeup Consultant. Autumn McNamara serves as Stage Manager. Groundbreaking in its original release as a television movie in 1954, this script presents issues that remain relevant after seventy years. A favorite among actors and producing companies, it is presented in North Texas area theatres often. 

This cast and crew offer a stellar look at 12 ANGRY JURORS. Performances continue through September 8 at The Core Theatre, 518 W. Arapaho Road #115, Richardson, Texas. Curtain is at 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, with a matinee on Sundays at 3 pm. Tickets are available through onthestage.tickets/the-core-theatre/season

Experience Live Theatre

Glynda Welch