12 Angry Men - by Simply Theatre

Normally when I write a review, or perhaps discuss it with others if it is not getting written down, I like to bring home a program so I can make specific notes about those actors that have done something of special note (whether it was good or bad)!

Tonight, I decided not to do that.

Tonight, I saw a show that began with some hesitancy. At first I thought it was a nervous cast, maybe not quite in character. But as the momentum continued, I realized that this must have been by design. Each juror's thoughts, feelings, and their personalities came out bit by bit, allowing the audience to be drawn in carefully. Too fast, it ruins the discovery. Too slow, ruins the mood and turns it to boredom.

Tonight, in my humble yet accurate opinion...it was perfect.

Overall
It was a dramatic conflict to the very end. And the conflict is revealed in so many ways. I highly recommend seeing this if you can still find a ticket - only three days left, I believe!

One thing that I noted several times through both acts was the audience reaction. I could see on the faces of many people their own choices of what to vote. They were engaged from the start.

Truly, it was a tremendous job by everyone involved. I mean that. Everyone. You each stepped up to the plate and maintained your stance right through to the last light. Brilliant.

Scene / Stage Presence
I loved the use of the small space of the theatre. Having the audience surround the juror's table was a great use of the space, and put the entire crowd in the room with them, casting our own votes, and wanting to hear more of the evidence play out.

My only catch with this was that, while the dress and set was of an old style, it felt like it was missing something to truly set the time period in the 1950's. I can't put my finger quite on what it needed to make that feeling happen, though, so maybe it was unnecessary.

Technical (Sound and Lighting)
Very little to speak of here. Lighting and sound cues were seamless, and there were very few cues to begin with, which is exactly what this story needed because the drama unfolds from the actors, not the set or technical aspects around them. Good choices, well done.

Cast Notes
What do I say about 12 jurors who knocked this one out of the park? Congratulations, men, you did it! Home run!

Juror #1 - Kyle Gould
Juror #2 - Ryan Patterson
Juror #3 - Greg Spielman
Juror #4 - Dorin McIntosh
Juror #5 - Fadi Saghir
Juror #6 - Darren Stewart
Juror #7 - Courtney Nelson
Juror #8 - James Noonan
Juror #9 - Tim Elliott
Juror #10 - John Whidden
Juror #11 - Murray Melnychuk
Juror #12 - Bryan Smith
Guard - Bryan Weir

To each of these cast members, I say Bravo! Two thumbs up to each of you. I didn't get a chance to shake everyone's hand - I missed about three I think. So to everyone please accept my warmest and kindest thanks for putting on a show tonight of excellent quality.