12 Angry Men

S. and I saw the stage play, "Twelve Angry Men," at the Fisher Theatre last Sunday. The play is well-known, originally written for television in the "golden age," and made into a stage play and film versions (twice on film).

It is a short play, just over an hour-and-a-half, with no intermission. One set, which was excellent. It is an ensemble piece, with a couple of star performers, including the headliner, Richard Thomas-- of "Johnboy" fame. He played juror eight, the role made famous by Henry Fonda in the original film version. Also in the cast was Kevin Dobson, who became famous in "Kojak" years ago, playing juror six, a loud, biggoted man who drives a lot of the drama in the show. I've called it an ensemble piece, and it is-- no single actor took extra bows or curtain calls, and all of the cast entered for the curtain call at the same time. That was nice to see.

I've always been amazed at how a group of characters locked in a single room can keep the viewer's attention. The program flew by. The acting was excellent, as was the production in general. An excellent production. It is at the Fisher until November 18.