Harvest Christian Academy presents '12 Angry Jurors' Sept. 15-17
Bringing to life the fascinating and suspenseful tale, Harvest Christian Academy's Theater Department will put on "12 Angry Jurors" at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Sept. 15-16, and 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Judson University's Thompson Center, 1151 N. State St. in Elgin.
"This show spreads a universal message of truth. As humans, we are all caught up in what everyone else is saying. We look through the lens of our past and prejudices," said junior Paige Abbatacola.
Written in 1954, the show's themes of prejudice and discrimination are extremely relevant today.
"It's a timeless show that presents characters with an astronomical amount of depth. Each one has a different personality and a different way of life," said junior Nathan Strissel. "It is ironic, dramatic, and paradoxical. It is an entertaining show that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the moment that it is done."
The defense and the prosecution have rested. The judge has dismissed the 12 jury members to decide if a young man is guilty or innocent of murdering his father. The jurors spend the entirety of the show in one hot and stuffy room. What begins as an open-shut-case turns into a detective story that presents a succession of clues creating doubt in the minds of the jurors. A drama unfolds revealing preconceptions and prejudices concerning the trial and each other.
"The 12 unique characters of society are portrayed brilliantly with our high school cast," said director Sara Yun.
"There is only one set, in one room, with one break, and it still manages to create tension between characters," Cody Davis said. Not a single juror leaves the stage during an act, allowing for the tension to stay high throughout the show.
As each character is forced to decide the fate of a teenage boy, the jurors wrestle with personal conflict based on their past and the lives they live now.
The cast has been stretched personally in their abilities as they have attempted to get the most intensity from their diverse characters. A student director, Abby Wilken, and student-led production team has added fresh creativity to the cast as well.
Tickets are on sale for $12 at harvestchristianacademy.org/jurors.