The Catskill Chronicle

Review and photos by Carol Montana

SOUTH FALLSBURG, NY (September 22, 2013) – The current production at the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop is the courtroom drama “12 Angry  Jurors,” an adaptation of the famous play “Twelve Angry Men.” The play is adapted by Sherman L. Sergel from the 1954 screenplay “Twelve Angry Men” by Reginald Rose.

Directed by Constance Slater, “12 Angry Jurors” is a powerful drama that moves along at lightning speed spurred on by the strong performances of the cast.

Set in current time, there’s never a dull moment from the beginning when the 12 jurors file into the courtroom and take a vote on the guilt or innocence of a young man accused of killing his father, to the gripping climax revealing the final verdict.

Along the way the subject of prejudice rears its ugly head and the true meaning of “reasonable doubt” comes through. The audience gets to observe a process that is, unless you’ve been on a jury, foreign, unusual and secretive. There are nasty comments, innuendos, struggles, bigotry and class distinctions, as the personal history of each juror becomes clear.

Heading up the stellar cast is Carol MacAdam who plays Juror #8, the part made famous by Henry Fonda in the original 1957 movie. MacAdam is the lone dissenter at the beginning and clearly commands the stage throughout. It is her strength and determination that guides the show.

Also in the cast are Serena Gildersleeve, Stephanie Watson, Paul Puerschner, Peter Nastasi, Mike Gastwirth, Kim McCune, Melissa McTague, Barbara McCausland, Darren Fouse, Valeria Henry, Constance Taylor, Marshall Ulger, and typecast as the judge is real-life judge Ivan Kalter.

The cast is cohesive and works hard to keep the story moving along at an interesting clip. In plays where there is little action and a lot of dialogue, it is often difficult to advance the story in a such a manner. This cast deserves a great deal of credit for its ensemble work. And kudos to director Constance  Slater as well for crafting a gripping, moving and powerful piece of theatre.

Performances continue at the Rivoli Theatre on Main Street in South Fallsburg, at 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, September 27, 28 and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 29.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $14 for seniors, students with ID and veterans.

For more information, call 845-436-5336 and visit www.scdw.net.