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Arts & Entertainment

Play Review: "Twelve Angry Men," A Jury of Peerless Performers

Ohev Shalom tackles the tough topics of justice, racism and integrity in "Twelve Angry Men."

Justice and the value of a single human life are two timeless themes that are examined in “Twelve Angry Men,” produced by Ohev Shalom’s A Drama on Second Street. The play, written by Reginald Rose, has enjoyed many incarnations over the years, on television, in movies and on stage, none more engrossing than this offering directed by Eric Froberg.

Although updated by the inclusion of three women among the 12 jurors secured in a room to decide the fate of a young man accused of murdering his abusive father, it remains set in the '50s.  The premise is enduring, even if contemporary courthouse security would preclude some of the action.

Reinforcing the question of individual worth and dignity, the roles enjoy no names, much as a prisoner becomes only a number.

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Juror 8, played with confident, yet reserved intensity by Ken Marblestone, is the lone “not guilty” vote when the others are anxious to be done with a seemingly open-and-shut case on a hot afternoon.

It’s not so much that Juror 8 thinks the young man innocent, but more that he believes any one of us deserves more than a minute’s deliberation before being sentenced to death.

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The dialogue-heavy script runs the risk of becoming “talking heads,” with only a few action scenes. Froberg avoids this by utilizing various destinations on the raised platform stage to keep the performers moving, allowing them to physically join, shun or attack others.

This is welcomed since the jury table, although angled, requires some actors to sit with their backs to the audience. A split or round table might have helped.

Early on, Juror 8 creates a physical separation by gazing out the “window” while others take their seats at the table. As the Foreman, played with proud restraint by Len Rubin, repeatedly calls him to the table, this space foreshadows Juror 8’s philosophical divide from the rest.

Powerfully portraying the bully who’d rather be at a ball game than take the time to decide a loser’s fate, Neal Freedman’s Juror 7 repeatedly checks his watch and scoffs at any attempts at logical thought.

Joining him in his anti-intellectual leanings is Juror 10, a bitter bigot to whom it never occurred that everyone didn’t harbor the same malevolence in their heart. Bonnie Kapenstein fully embraces the difficult role.

To better remind the group of the value of the American justice system, Ayala Rahimi’s Juror 11 is a humble, yet wise immigrant voice of civility, in sharp contrast to 10’s offensive ignorance.

Stubbornly rejecting the concept of impartiality, Juror 3 has internalized the murder. Scott Adler is superb as an intense force of pent-up rage, refusing to see anything beyond his own pain.

In contrast, Juror 4 sees only the facts, trusting them to be as clear as the nose on his face, even when they aren’t. Michael Schwartz deftly disengages himself from the drama surrounding him as this overly detached juror.

Self-absorbed and as easy swayed as her public, advertising executive Juror 12 is portrayed by Barbara Kind Berman. Mitch Gerson gives Juror 9 a quiet dignity.

The highly competent cast is completed by Barry Dratch as blue collar Juror 6, Paul Waimberg as Juror 5, who grew up in similar circumstances to the accused, and Scott Gordon, as people-pleasing Juror 2. Jerry Gottesman is the Guard and Sam Heller provides the voice of the Judge.

There is no reason to reveal the final destination for those who have not been on this gripping journey before. Even for those who have previously seen the film, teleplay or stageplay, this accomplished production is a timely reminder of timeless themes.

 

Two performances remain at Ohev Shalom of Bucks County, 944 Second Street Pike, Richboro: at 8 p.m on Saturday, Feb. 19, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 20. Tickets, $20 for general admission, $30 for reserved seating and $15 for students, can be purchased online at www.ohev.org/events/angrymen, calling 215-322-9595 or at the door. 

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