York Drama to present classic and contemporary takes on the seminal drama '12 Angry Men'
On Feb. 2-5, York Community High School will be breathing new life and improved commentary to the classic drama “Twelve Angry Men.”
The play will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, Feb. 2-4, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, in the Baker Auditorium, 355 W. St. Charles Road in Elmhurst.
Based on a 1954 Studio One teleplay by Reginald Rose, it was later made into the 1957 Sidney Lumet classic film starring Henry Fonda.
As a 19-year-old man stands trial for murdering his father, 12 total strangers must convene to decide his fate. The room is hot, tempers are hotter, and the fight for truth comes to a boil in this fast-paced, highly-celebrated play.
“Dramatically, there are few shows as time-honored as 'Twelve Angry Men,'” director Rebecca Marianetti said. “And while many people feel they may already know the show, we are most proud of the discoveries we have found by choosing two casts that represent diverse perspectives, ideas, and upbringings.”
For York Drama, this means a double cast show featuring two tones.
On Thursday and Saturday, audiences will travel to the 1950s in a classic presentation of the play with a twist: in a room full of men, one woman will stand alone in her attempt to cast reasonable doubt on the case.
Alternatively, on Friday and Sunday, a contemporary cast in 2023 will consider the question composed of jurors that more closely mirror those of our modern day.
“We felt drawn to this show particularly because of how different we saw it in the kaleidoscope of social issues our world is facing,” said director Matt Bourke. “Through the process, we've been struck by our students' engagement in conversations on justice, gender, and truth, and the remarkable connections they draw between this world and the world of the play as actors and citizens.”
The play is nothing new to the Elmhurst community - District 205 middle schools have been reading it for years as a study of the criminal justice system and American drama.
“So many people in our community have either read or heard of this play, but few have been able to see it in a way like this before,” said senior Amelia Koering. “It's amazing that after 70 years, there is still such a relevance that makes you forget that any time has passed between then and now.”
York Drama chose this show with a hope to inspire a new generation of audiences to see themselves in a drama that can feel like it comes from a time far removed. This production hopes to make audiences challenge their notions of not just who they believe, but why they believe them over others.
“I've really enjoyed being able to play with the gender politics of our casts,” said junior Owen Dettman. “Having two entirely different interpretations with two entirely different casts has made for an exciting rehearsal process, and I hope it will make for a show just as moving for the audience.”
Cast members were pushed in rehearsals to seek out and explore new performance elements or look at a moment between characters in a new light.
“The most important thing I've learned in this production has been the element of discovery,” said senior Oliver Roy. “We are constantly discovering new ways to improve ourselves in each run, giving our all to the production to allow it to shine on stage.”
York Drama's motto of “Be the good” has been a constant feature of this production, grappling with the ideas of courage and standing alone when to go with the group would be so much easier.
While the program is thrilled by its final products, it is the process that keeps the students and directors going.
“Our program firmly believes in process over product,” Marianetti said. “We value the journey and all of the discoveries we can make about ourselves and each other along the way. The students have truly created an incredible show for the community, while learning and growing with each moment of rehearsal.
Bourke reflects, “Our season theme is 'Finding Our Light' this year, and 'Twelve Angry Men' has given us an important opportunity to explore the importance of searching for light in darkness.”
Tickets are $15, and available at www.yorkdrama.org.