October 5, 2021

A murder trial has ended, closing arguments have been made; now it’s up to a jury of twelve to decide the fate of a 19-year-old boy accused of murdering his father. It’s an open and shut case. Or is it? Tensions rise as racism, classism, and twelve very different personalities interact to obstruct their intentions of reaching a unanimous decision. Can one juror, in their pursuit of justice, save the life of a young man by changing the minds of their peers, one vote at a time?

In the Pickerington Community Theater (PCT) production of 12 Angry Jurors running October 8-17, a young man’s life lies in the hands of strangers.

“The play hits on how different perspectives lead to assumptions,” said actress Amber Gresham who makes her PCT debut playing Juror #5, a young woman who like the defendant grew up in the slums.

How the characters’ backgrounds color their views and how those views drive their interactions are the core of the play, Gresham said.

PCT’s Chris Gallaugher is directing this production.

“It has been more than 65 years since 12 Angry Jurors (originally 12 Angry Men) first debuted as a one-hour live television drama. In the years since it has been made into a movie twice (the first starring Henry Fonda & Lee J. Cobb, the second Jack Lemmon & George C. Scott) and had a successful run on Broadway in 2004,” said Gallaugher.

“The plot has been adapted in countless episodes of television shows and movies since. Why has it been so popular? The tension created watching a jury decide the fate of a young man (should he be sent to his death?) is palpable. Personally, I think the play is fascinating not so much as a mystery or puzzle, but rather as a character study. Only in the United States does such a diverse group get thrown together to make such an important decision. It’s about the process, not the outcome. This show is relatively short as dramas go and moves quickly. I know you will enjoy watching this talented cast as votes change, alliances shift and secrets are revealed.”

Performances will be held at the Wigwam Theater (10190 Blacklick-Eastern Road Northwest, Pickerington, Ohio 43147) October 8 – 17. Curtain times will be 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, October 8, 9, 15, and 16, and at 2:00 PM on Sundays, October 10 and 17.

Prices: $17 for adults ($15 for seniors 55 and over), $15 for children 12 and under. GROUP DISCOUNTS available to groups of 20 or more.

“If people like drama and court-type shows, they should definitely see the play,” Gresham said.

For all upcoming performances of 12 Angry Jurors, patrons, staff and volunteers will be required to properly wear face masks at all times while inside the Wigwam, regardless of vaccination status. Free, disposable masks will be available to patrons upon request. We ask that all guests maintain physical distancing whenever possible. We ask that you do not attend this PCT event if you are feeling ill with symptoms similar to COVID-19, including fever, cough, and sore throat.

Seating for this production will be general admission so that guests can choose where they feel comfortable sitting in relation to other guests.

You may purchase your tickets online (up to two hours before showtime) or at the theater on the day of your selected performance (one hour before showtime). Tickets purchased online will be available for pick up at the will call table at the theater one hour before showtime. If you have any questions, please call the PCT Box Office at 614-508-0036.

Coming up next, the PCT Children’s Theater will perform A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens. Performance dates are December 3-5 and 10-12. Performance times are 8:00 PM on Fridays and 2:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets will be available for purchase on the PCT website.