A classic courtroom drama is about to unfold on Mercyhurst campus with the premiere of the fall drama “12 Angry Jurors,” opening in Taylor Little Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 29.

Captivating audiences since the 1950s, this one-act play centers on a teenage boy who has been accused of killing his father.

The show opens with the jury entering the deliberation chamber.
When they vote, everyone but one finds him guilty.

Their discussions and debates are full of comedy, drama, tragedy and conflict.

Written by Reginald Rose, this story first appeared on TV as “12 Angry Men.”

Over the years, the work has been adapted to film and theater, changing titularly from “men” to “women” to simply “jurors.”

The Mercyhurst production contains a jury of eight men and four women, plus a female guard.

The students include seniors Chris Cummings, Krystal Johnson, Mike Humphrey and Joseph Will, juniors Chris Nagy and Devin Ruic, sophomores Tara Heade, Nikki Zeak and Andrew Kopcienski, and freshmen Alex Keener, Sacha Chadwick, Allison Palmeri and Matt Teleha.

This production is directed by David Matthews, who is an active member of the Mercyhurst arts community.

He has served as the Managing Director of the Erie Playhouse for 34 years.

Matthews’ assistant is Sal Ruvelo, lighting is done by Julian Decker and sets are courtesy of Joe Hassler from the Erie Playhouse.

“12 Angry Jurors” will be playing at the Taylor Little Theatre from Thursday, Oct. 29th through Saturday, Oct. 31st at 7:30 p.m.

There will also be a final matinee performance on Sunday, Nov. 1st at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the door and are $1.