Batavia High presenting 'Twelve Angry Men'
The play "Twelve Angry Men" made its debut in 1954 as a CBS Studio One telecast.
Not readily accepted by the television audience of the time, the play wouldn't make it to Broadway for another 50 years.
In 2004, "Twelve Angry Men" debuted on Broadway and played for 328 performances winning numerous Tonys including one for best drama.
The drama centers around 12 jurors who must decide the fate of the accused. It seems to be a unanimous decision until the votes are taken and one juror sows the seed of reasonable doubt. During the course of the play, you see opinions change in the characters and you see opinions change in the audience as the jurors reveal their own prejudices and personalities.
In recent years, the drama is often done as "Twelve Angry Jurors," enabling the director to cast women in the roles of jurors as well as men.
Josh Casburn, an English teacher at Batavia High School, is directing "Twelve Angry Jurors" and it debuts today, Nov. 5. The show is double cast, giving more students the opportunity to participate. That's good news for freshman Claire Heronemus.
"I play Juror #2," said Claire. "My character is 19 and is a bit naive."
Coming in as a freshman can be a bit frightening but Claire took it all in stride.
"I'll admit I was a bit intimidated at the first rehearsal but I realized that we are all theater people and theater is a great icebreaker," she added. "It's been a great way to meet other kids from other classes."
Another switch that Casburn has made is allowing three actors, Taylor Spitz, Darcy Coussens, and Griffin Price (who are in both casts) to play alternate parts each night.
"It's quite a challenge for these actors; but, it is interesting to see the different aspects that each one brings to the part," said Casburn.
Since much of acting is reacting. It must be interesting for the other actors on stage as well.
"When another actor takes the role, the blocking can be different because of the actor's interpretation," said Darcy Coussens. "And certainly there is a different feeling in the actual delivery of the lines."
Casburn is giving the actors freedom. He has changed a few lines but he is giving the actors the freedom to reinvent the part according to their own interpretation.
"Hopefully, some audience members will go a second night and see how the play changes," said Casburn.
In this play the actors never leave the stage. That is a tremendous responsibility for all of the actors on stage, especially those who have minor roles.
"The actors have to be focused at all times," said Coussens. "They have to be listening and reacting constantly."
This play isn't suitable for young children. However, it is a tremendous look into our legal system for those who are in fourth grade and older.
Cast members include: Mike Hoefler, Lizzie Bertness, Mary Alcott, Claire Heronemus, Griffin Price, Darcy Coussens, Leslie Billing, Maddie Mueller, T. S. Bowman, Hannah Kettering, Emma Kegerris, Paul Bartow, Hannah Bishop, Doug Burrichter, Tyler Spitz, Katie Billing, Johnny Schueneman, Nick Coussens, and Sam Berg.
If you go
What: Batavia High School's production of "Twelve Angry Jurors"
When: 7:30 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 5-7; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8
Where: Batavia High School cafetorium, 1200 W. Wilson St.
Tickets: $6, available 45 minutes before each show or by calling in advance
Call: (630) 937-8600, ext. 7949