Egg Harbor Township, N.J. – The students of Egg Harbor Township High School examine questions of morality, prejudice, and reasonable doubt in the classic legal drama 12 Angry Jurors from Thursday, Nov. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 24. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Nearly 80 students comprise the cast and crew of the drama, a co-ed stage adaptation of the Academy Award-nominated 1957 film 12 Angry Men. The production, set in modern-day New Jersey, is the uninterrupted story of a jury deliberating during a murder trial. The discussions that follow reveal the character of the jurors, and teach a lesson of decency and justice.
Director Matthew Guenther, who also teaches German at Egg Harbor Township High School, says he chose the production because its themes are still important today. “The message of this show is always relevant. These themes are universal, and I’m excited for our students to bring them to our community.”
Joining Guenther on the production team are Assistant Director Nancy Portnoy, Set Designer Lee Buhrman, Producer Jason Kristeller, and Costumer Leslie Volpe. The Friends of The Theatre Society also played an integral role in fundraising and support for the production.
Every role in the show is double-cast in order to maximize student involvement. Featured roles include Seniors Zakaria Senan and Juliana Gonzalez, who share the role of Juror #8, the show’s protagonist, who urges the jurors to set aside their prejudices and thoughtfully consider the evidence. Julia Kowal and Julia Marcato portray Juror #3, the chief antagonist of the play.
Senior Julia Kowal is excited for patrons to enjoy the results of three months of hard work by the cast and crew. “I can’t wait for the audience to see the action-packed moments at the end of every act,” she said. Senior Zakaria Senan added, “I love that pretty much every character in the show brings something to the table. Almost everyone has a lead part.”
Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. The production is rated “PG.” To reserve tickets, e-mail Jason Kristeller at kristelj@eht.k12.nj.us. Tickets will also be available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.
