By D. A. Blackburn
New York's Roundabout Theatre Company rolled into Detroit last week and sequestered in the Fisher Theatre, delivering a production full of reasonable doubt.
Reginald Rose's "Twelve Angry Men" is, by any measure, a modern classic. It's been made into two major motion pictures, featuring stars like Henry Fonda, Jack Klugman, Tony Danza and James Gandolfini; staged on Broadway and on London's West End; and found its way into the curriculum of high school literature classes around the nation. It is, in effect, a civics lesson with entertainment value – an intricate look at the American judicial system, personal prejudices and capital punishment.
Rose's tale is that of 12 men, enlisted as jurors to decide the life-or-death fate of a teen, accused of the murder of his abusive father. After a trial that might be called a "slam dunk" by the prosecution, all but one juror, number eight, are convinced that the boy is guilty. In 90 minutes of debate, juror number eight forces his colleagues to confront their own perceptions of the case, steering all to the conclusion that there is a reasonable doubt of guilt.
But it's not just in the script that the Roundabout's production finds reasonable doubt. In the show's lead, juror number eight, Richard Thomas leaves much to be desired. Best known for his portrayal of "John-boy," on the television series, "The Waltons," Thomas is an accomplished actor, but his work in this production is lack-luster. He is far too mellow for the dynamic character of juror number eight, and delivers dialogue in a manner that seems more pompous than impassioned. Though all around him find their heart rates quickened in the heat of debate, Thomas is a steadfast pillar, calm and continuously collected, too smug to be truly believable.
With this one exception, the cast of "Twelve Angry Men" is strong and well-suited to the work. All take on sincere, if not entirely likable personas, perfectly fit to the prejudices and practices of Rose's 1954 setting. Accents are spot-on, and dialogue is well-delivered in spite of a few glitches in the show's amplification.
The 90-minute one-act unfolds on a single set, but Allen Moyer's design work is exceptional. He's created a picture perfect jury room, down to the smallest details. Likewise, lighting by Paul Palazzo adds a genuine realism to the stage, and sound design by Brian Ronan is clever and carefully executed.
Coupled with a thoroughly satisfying supporting cast, and steady direction by Scott Ellis, associate artistic director of the Roundabout Theatre Company, the show's brilliant design work makes for an appealing and genuinely enjoyable production. Though Thomas may fall short leading the cast, the work remains true to its spirit, bringing the judicial system to life like no civics class ever could.
(FOR "REVIEW BOX")
REVIEW:
'Twelve Angry Men'
Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit. Tue.-Sun., through Nov. 18. Tickets: $23-$65. For information: 313-872-1000 or http://www.broadwayindetroit.com
