ORANGE PARK COMMUNITY THEATRE Presents
	TWELVE ANGRY MEN
Theatre Review by DICK KEREKES
(dickkerekes@yahoo.com)

	OPCT departed from it's usually music or merriment on its stage and presents for it's 4th show, the very dramatic "Twelve Angry Men" by Reginald Rose. Originally a very successful l957 movie with Henry Fonda and Lee J. Cobb, it was adapted for the stage by Sherman L. Sergel.
	Clay County Judge Timothy R. Collins' voice comes over the PA system with instructions and as an audience we become part of the jury deliberating the fate of an l8 year old charge with stabbing his father.	
	The Bailiff (Joe Wilson) leads the l2 men into the jury room on the stage of Orange Park Theatre, and the play begins. It looks like a slam-dunk, an open and shut case. Yes, that boy is guilty, or so it seems. A vote is taken, and it is 11 to 1, GUILTY.
	Juror # 8 (Clifford Renner) is the lone hold out initially and asks the question" Is there reasonable doubt?" Juror # 7 (Ray Chute) just wants to get it over with because he has tickets to "Lion King."
	The accused youth is a member of an ethic minority, although none is specifically mentioned. Juror # l0 (Jim Bray) displays his extreme prejudice that sickens the remaining 11 jurors. Reginald Partlow Jr., Juror # 12, represents a minority viewpoint, but is more interested in whether he will lose his job or not because of jury duty.
	Bob Houston, as Juror # 9 represents the senior citizen view point and admits the elderly witness could have been mistaken in his testimony, because he knows from first hand experience, the effects of age on perception.
	Bill Leseur (Juror #  11) is an émigré from a foreign country (probably German, judging from this accent). He appreciates the right to disagree that we have in this county.
	Mark Tessier, Juror #3, is highly emotional and spills out his anger and frustration on the others constantly.		
	Todd Foster (Juror # 4) is a calm logical thinker and does much to pacify the more vocal of the men.
	Gary Karp, acts as the foreman, and takes the votes and keeps order as best he can.
	Randy Tompkins (Juror #2), Kris Knapp (Juror #5) and Richard Haetrel (Juror 
#6) are not as vocal as some of the other jurors but their individual personalities contribute to the unique make of this selected jury.	
	Director Scott J. Smith, has usually appeared as an actor in 3 or 4 shows by this time of the year, but the past couple of years he turned his talents more to directing. Last season he scored high marks with his direction of "Murder in Mind" here at OPCT. He is the artistic director of all the shows at Dave and Buster's Mystery Dinner Theatre. He has assembled a stellar cast for Twelve Angry Men, casting not only for interesting faces, shapes and sizes, but excellent vocal variety as well in order to keep the action exciting
	The set is very minimalist, just tables in a horseshoe shape. David Wells has designed some very even pleasant lighting. I like OPCT's relatively new miking system, with mikes hanging down over the stage and catching some softer and subtle comments and allowing the patrons in the rear of the theatre to hear well.
	This is a unique drama that will have you talking and discussing this play all the way home. I am withholding the conclusion of "Twelve Angry Men, just in case you have never seen the play or the movie. This play is often used to demonstrate complexities of group behavior and is certainly one that will intrigue you and stimulate your thoughts.
	"Twelve Angry Men" continues until April 3rd. Performances Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm. Two matinees remain, March 2l and 28 .	
	OPCT will hold a special benefit gala for their building fund. On June 3rd at 7 pm you will be able to see an advance showing of " Gypsy", enjoy food and drink for a $ 25.00 ticket. No reservations taken purchase your ticket at the theatre during the run of "Twelve Angry Men." Call 276-2599 for more information or visit their website at www. opct.org.