BWW Reviews: Intense TWELVE ANGRY MEN at The Engeman

Reginald Rose's tension filled Tony Award winning play Twelve Angry Men is certainly a wonderful selection for the second show of the John W. Engeman Theatre's seventh season. Not to mention that it is emotionally on the other side of the spectrum from their previous show - the adorably hilarious Nunsense. This superb showing, running through November 3rd at the stunning Long Island venue, is excellently directed by Igor Goldin and continues the intense atmosphere that Mr. Rose created starting with a TV broadcast in 1954.

The play takes place as a jury is deliberating a murder trial. The story begins after closing arguments as the judge is giving his instructions to the jury and the case at hand is to decide whether a young man murdered his own father. Additionally, the jury is further instructed that a guilty verdict will be accompanied by a mandatory death sentence, so they must examine this case extremely carefully.

The cast of thirteen - twelve jurors and the Court Guard - has no "lead" per se. They all get their moment to shine even providing well placed comic relief in the midst of the thick tension that builds throughout the two act production.

Actually, they don't even address each other by name; they address each other as Juror #1, #2, ext. The juror most highlighted is Juror #8 portrayed by Steven Hauck in the Henry Fonda role from Mr. Rose's 1957 movie incarnation. He is the first decenter and makes very compelling arguments as to why he believes something is not right with the case. Tension abounds as they thought this was going to be an easy process.

Also a highlight was the remarkably detailed set, designed by Jonathan Collins, to which was complemented very well by Driscoll Otto's lighting design. A water cooler, large table, and discolored cement color walls completed the industrial like jury room. Kudos to Laura Frey as well whose sound design certainly elevated the already overwrought atmosphere.

You will also find that the book was really well written. It is truly the mark of a good story when it has the ability to change your way of thinking - if slightly. As you examine this case with this "jury" and ponder each detail from their point of view, you become a little sympathetic with the sometimes unpopular decisions of juries hearing high profile, complicated court cases.

Twelve Angry Men is presented by the John W. Engeman Theatre located at 250 Main Street in Northport through November 3rd. By Reginald Rose, Directed by Igor Goldin, Scenic Design by Johnathan Collins, Costume Design by Ryan Moller, Lighting Design by Driscoll Otto, Sound Design by Laura Frey, Hair & Make-Up by Mark Adam Rampmeyer, Casting by Stephen DeAngelis, Stage Management by Michelle Hines, Assistant Director Trey Compton.