In 2018, Staples Players put on “12 Angry Men.”
In the Black Box, the audience surrounded the courtroom set on all 4 sides. I saw 3 productions. Each time, I sat in a different spot. Each time, the show felt completely different.
On May 28-31, Players will stage “12 Angry Men” for the third time. (They premiered it in 2009. As before, some of the “men” are females.)
The drama — a compelling exploration of human morals and values, and a sharp critique of the American legal system — is familiar. But directors David Roth and Kerry Long have made sure that, like the variety of views from each seat, this one will be quite different from previous productions.
For example, this — like the Sidney Lumet film starring Lee J. Cobb, Ed Begley and E.G. Marshall — is set in the McCarthy-era 1950s. (Players’ 2 others were updated to the ’70s.)
For another, the set and costumes are all black and white. They pay homage to the 1957 movie.
From left: Brady Walker, Lilliana Gomez, Griffin Delmhorst.
For a third, it’s the first time that Staples actors have worked with a dramaturg. Former Player AnnaMaria Fernandez helps the ensemble understand the political, racial and social realities of the play’s era.
She brings plenty of insight into the role. She was a juror in the 2018 show.
Perhaps most interestingly, the show is double-cast — but the combinations will be different for every production. That makes each one unique, as actors play off each other in different ways.
“’12 Angry Men is great, for the cast and audiences,” Roth says. “It’s a real ensemble show, with everyone on stage all the time.
From left: Harper Iglehart, Denver Razza, Ari Sklar.
“It’s a fantastic script. It teaches everyone about the judicial process. The jury doesn’t have to believe the alleged murderer is innocent. They do have to agree 100% — all of them — that he is guilty, beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The stakes are high. There was a mandatory death sentence for the crime of murder.”‘
Long adds, “It really deals with the prejudices we have inherent in ourselves, while a group of strangers comes together, and figures out how to work as a team.”
“12 Angry Men” will be the last show for several Players, members of a strong senior class. Some will study theater in college.
From left: Blake Raho, Will McCrea, Sara Stanley. (Photos/Kerry Long)
ENCORE: Will McCrae plays Juror #8. That’s the same role his grandfather — the legendary Jack Lemmon — played in the 1997 Showtime film version of “12 Angry Men.”
Will — a familiar face for Players’ audiences over the past 4 years — says that when he learned he would share a role with his grandfather, “I was ecstatic. Realistically, I’m not going to get another chance like this.
“I’ve got some tremendous shoes to fill — and yes, I am a bit scared. But I am determined not to play the role as ‘well’ as he did. I want to bring my own interpretation to the part, and not try to mirror his choices simply because I feel an obligation by blood.
“My grandfather died several years before I was born. Playing this part is the closest I’ll ever get to meting him. I’m honored, terrified, and really, really excited.”
(“12 Angry Men” is set for 7:30 p.m. on May 28, 29 and 30; 5 p.m. on May 30, and 2 p.m. on May 31. Click here for tickets. Click here for each show’s cast.)
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