It's a simple premise. 12 jurors are deliberating a murder case. 11 say guilty and one says not guilty. Through their discussions tempers flare, prejudices are revealed and flaws in the case come to light. There is one set, 13 actors and no intermission. And it's riveting stuff.
Richard Thomas is so natural and from the 8th row, he doesn't appear to have aged much at all. Kevin Dobson is terrific as an initially subtle racist whose true colours emerge in an amazing rant. But Julian Gamble may be the real star of this production, as Juror Three. He's one of those "everyman" actors you know you've seen somewhere, but you can't quite place him. Turns out he's had roles on Law And Order, several soaps and series and a lot of Broadway experience. He's a commanding presence as a Dad with an unconcious axe to grind against the accused teenaged murderer.
I love the "no intermission" part of this 90 minute theatre experience! There is simply no way that this show could be broken up with a time out, and intermission is not only a potential momentum killer but it's often a waste of time beyond being a revenue generator at the refreshment counter. Twelve Angry Men is a great experience for theatre lovers and a mercifully short experience for those they drag along with them.