TGIF's Twelve Angry Men Review (3.29.05)

[TGIF]

Posted: 3/30/05 at 2:10pm

Congratulate me! This is my first time attending a Broadway straight play. I consider myself a musical gal, but it is nice to take a break from the dancing and singing and see straight raw, serious acting.

Before reviewing this specific show, I must comment on the play itself, apart from this production. Having never seen the movie or another production, I was excited to see what all the buzz was about.

Twelve Angry Men is a wonderful reminder to those of us (myself included) sucked into the TV Court/Cop/Law shows, what drama really is. This story is about a man’s life being in the hands of twelve strangers. It relies on interaction between the jurors, “intellectuals” (as put by one of the jurors), as well as how each man’s background and personal beliefs affects their perceptions. It does not rely on forensic evidence saying that a tiny piece of shard glass fell a certain way, concluding who was in the room at certain time. In fact the only evidence was eye witnesses and a knife wiped clean of prints. It is also much more than guilt and innocence. It brings to light how much or little a jury might be considering your guilt. It is also about race relations. I thought it was brilliant that no direct reference was made to what race the accused was. The audience knew based on other comments. It is my belief that if juror 10 blatantly making crude comments coupled with negative names would just come off as too vulgar. Rose did an excellent job of succeeding in getting the point/mood across without compromising the overall play.

Another plus to the show is that the jurors have no names, just numbers (anyone else singing “Close Every Door to ME”? No?). It adds to the sense that these men could be anyone. They are just twelve random (angry) men, doing their duty as citizens – whether we want to or not.

It is refreshing to see such good dramatic acting on stage, and is very good incentive to see more straight plays. The quality of the cast’s ensemble is astounding. The only complaint I had as far as acting choices goes is that of the guard in the beginning scene. It was a bit dramatic and was too overacted for me. (We get that it’s hot!)The stand outs in the cast were Boyd Gaines and Robert Foxworth. This may be due to their larger size parts in the cast, but all had their moment to shine. What was so nice about this cast was that they were so believable. Not once did I think “wow this is good/bad acting,” because I never once thought they were acting. What is wonderful about this cast and the characters play is that everyone has these people in their lives. We all have that uncle who wants to hurry up and go to the ballgame or the cousin who is very sweet but not that bright.

I was, however, overwhelmed when the twelve jurors entered the room. The first 15 minutes were chaotic. People kept moving around and talking over each other (in argument, not that the actors where jumping in to soon on their lines). The staging was also a bit awkward at first. I couldn’t see who was talking with their backs turned away from me and didn’t know where to look.

This awkwardness disappeared quickly. This was a problem for myself and not the production. Once I knew who was who, personality-wise I was able to follow closer.

I enjoyed the fact that it was one room (two if you count the bathroom). Couple this with the fact that there is no intermission; it lets the audience feel like they are there with the jurors. There is no fifteen minute break or scene change that gives the audience a chance to remove themselves from the story and situation. The lighting and the effects (the rain) worked. They didn’t call much attention to themselves, as they shouldn’t. This story is about the jurors, not about where they are.

I can not and will not make any comments regard who I think should get Tony nominations. As I have already said this is the first straight play I have seen on Broadway. It would be foolish of me to venture any guesses.

Also for all you interested in BC/EFA. Twelve Angry Men are selling signed posters ($40), signed playbills ($10), and the Broadway Cares Cookbook ($30).

[Unknown User]

Posted: 3/30/05 at 2:26pm

great review! i loved the show too.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/30/05 at 2:33pm

Congratulations, as you wish!

I'm not familiar with the play at all, actually. I need to go see it - hopefully soon.

[umgeoboy]

Posted: 3/30/05 at 2:58pm

It's an amazing production! I'm glad to see the cast changes have worked and the show is still running strong! Here's hoping for a tranfer for a commercial run!

[chasgoose]

Posted: 3/30/05 at 4:27pm

I really enjoyed this play, but am I the only one that still thinks that the movie is better? It's essentially the same script, except I just feel it works better as a movie. Not to mention, as great as Boyd Gaines is, he is no Henry Fonda.

[TGIF]

Posted: 3/30/05 at 4:38pm

I haven't seen the movie. My father was telling me after I got home that the movie is in his Top 10 Favorite Movies. Then again if I counted up all the movies are in his "top 10 list" there would be around 35.

[billygoatgirl300]

Posted: 3/30/05 at 4:49pm

This was also my first straight play that I saw on Broadway. I really enjoyed. I hope that this will go to another theater when it leaves the American Airlines.

[TGIF]

Posted: 3/30/05 at 4:57pm

Now that Charity is back on, the Hischfeld is out of the question for the move.

[sabrelady]

Posted: 4/1/05 at 7:39am

The movie IS great but that is due a lot to Lumet's direction & his DOP. He has talked about making deliberate choices to increase the sense of claustraphobia not really poss in a stage presentation. None the less they are bothe timeless ensemble pieces. A real enjoyment!