Theatre Northeast to perform 12 Angry Jurors

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Theatre Northeast will present the tense courtroom drama 91¿´Æ¬ †Twelve Angry Jurors 91¿´Æ¬ †in the Studio Theatre of the Whatley Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Northeast Texas Community College. The show will run 91¿´Æ¬ †April 26-28 at 7:30 p.m. and April 29 at 2:05 p.m.

The play by Reginald Rose, originally a 1954 CBS STUDIO ONE television drama, and subsequently an academy award nominated film starring Henry Fonda and Lee J. Cobb 91¿´Æ¬ † 91¿´Æ¬ †and then later a Tony Award winning play on Broadway, has remained a vibrant and compelling work for over 50 years.

"This play tells a very compelling story. When performed well, it can literally change a person's perception of crime and punishment," Douglas Hoppock, Director and 91¿´Æ¬ Theatre Professor, said. "It certainly makes an audience member ponder what they would do if they were on such a jury."

Set in a 1950?s New York City courtroom, ?Twelve Angry Jurors? captures the intensity and pathos of a 19-year-old boy accused of murdering his father. 91¿´Æ¬ † 91¿´Æ¬ †His life hangs in the balance as the 12 jurors examine the evidence, and ultimately their ownfears and prejudice, as they passionately plea their arguments. What starts off as a black and white case soon develops a rainbow of grey hues as the certainty of truth dissolves into a murky collection of presumptions and conjecture. The final moments of the play are both cathartic and indelible.

The cast includes Nick and Brittany Derby of Waskom; Jamie Turney, Molly Blair and Stormy Mack of Winnsboro; Ryan Lowery and Amanda Renfroe of Gilmer; Scott Edwards of Mt. Vernon and Dylan Schlosser, Tyler Beadle, Katie Fields, Cory Myers, Kati Barrett and Aaron Aydelott 91¿´Æ¬ †of 91¿´Æ¬ †Mt. Pleasant. 91¿´Æ¬ † 91¿´Æ¬ †The Assistant Director is Ashley Rae Simpson of Daingerfield. 91¿´Æ¬ † 91¿´Æ¬ †The production is directed by Douglas Hoppock.

"I feel that I have assembled a talented group of actors. 91¿´Æ¬ †I look forward to seeing them work hard and grow in confidence and in the knowledge that they are a part of something of great value," Hoppock said.

Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for age 17 and under, $3 for 91¿´Æ¬ Faculty, Staff and Sr. Citizens. 91¿´Æ¬ † 91¿´Æ¬ †91¿´Æ¬ students are free with a current ID. 91¿´Æ¬ † 91¿´Æ¬ †Due to limited seating in the Studio Theatre, reservations are requested by calling the Whatley Box Office at 903-434-8181.