The old television series Perry Mason and Ironsides, and today’s more current show, Law and Order, pale in comparison with the excitement that was found in this Fall’s Drama Production, Twelve Angry Jurors directed by Dr. Sharon Carbaugh. This drama was adapted by Sherman Sergel based on the Emmy award-winning television movie. The original production, by Reginald Rose, featured Henry Fonda and a host of other stars.

Jon Wills, Technical Director for the Communication & the Arts Department along with the help of his crew transformed the Dixon center stage into a contemporary jury room that convinced members of the audience to believe that they were the proverbial “fly on the wall.” They heard every conversation concerning the innocence or guilt of a 19-year-old man standing trial, accused of fatally stabbing his father.

Dr. Carbaugh said that this literary classic placed a dozen ordinary people in the extraordinary position of choosing life or death. The twelve jurors had to make a unanimous decision in what appeared to be an open – and – shut case. Or was it? As the evidence was painstakingly scrutinized, tensions mounted, tempers rose and the twelve jurors were forced to confront their secret frailties and bitter prejudices in an unrelenting struggle for truth.

Arguments were heated and tempers flared as the mixed cast re-enacted this difficult trial. The drama kept everyone on the edge of their seats until the final verdict was reached and the young man was found innocent.

Dr. Michael Laney, Chair of the Communication & the Arts said, “This production was gripping and compelling. In a world where we increasingly feel powerless, Twelve Angry Jurors demonstrates the life and death influence that a single righteous person possess’ when they choose to stand alone on the basis of moral courage.”

If you would like more information about Lee University’s Theatre productions please log on to www.leeuniversity.edu/theatre. We welcome your inquiries.