Written by Reginald Rose, "12 Angry Men" was originally presented as a televised play on CBS�s Studio One. The teleplay was broadcast in 1954. By 1955, Rose�s drama was adapted into a stage play. Two years later, in 1957, Rose wrote the screenplay for a film version, which he co-produced with the actor Henry Fonda. The television film was a hit with viewers and critics, earning three Emmy Awards, and the theatrical film received Oscar nominations for best picture, director, and adapted screenplay. Since then it has been seen on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and countless regional theater productions. Henry Fonda starred in the 1957 film adaptation directed by Sidney Lumet. In the 1990s version, Jack Lemmon and George C. Scott co-starred in an acclaimed adaptation presented by Showtime. The film�s appeal and importance has placed it in the American Film Institute's list of the best American movies ever made, and it was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry.

"12 Angry Men" is a taut, engrossing drama in which a jury decides the fate of a teenager accused of murdering his abusive father. It seems at first like an open-and-shut case, with eleven jurors believing the defendant to be guilty. But one juror is reluctant to pass sentence without giving all the facts careful consideration. He must convince the others that �reasonable doubt� exists by standing up courageously for what he believes is justice and tries to persuade the others to his way of thinking.

"12 Angry Men" is a snapshot of the democratic, unbiased ideals of the American justice system and shines the spotlight on the notion of the underdog standing up for what's right. The script suggests that even if the system is imperfect and corruptible, good people can still make a difference. The major idea behind the story is not a standoff between guilt and innocence but between certainty and doubt. The play is, in one sense, a celebration of justice, showing the workings of the American judicial system in a favorable light.

Another central theme of the story is one of overcoming class and racial prejudice. The unseen boy on trial for his life, is never named, nor is his race given, but several phrases of dialogue strongly suggest that the defendant is of a minority race and not simply impoverished. The play suggests that not only must class and racial prejudice be overcome, but so must political differences. The jurors must transcend their opposing views and work together to discover the truth. In this sense, the play is a microcosm of democracy at work. Everyone has their say, and everyone works together to further the common good, which, in this case, is the administration of justice.

"12 Angry Men" is a well-written script that requires tight ensemble acting. Each actor has a specific piece of the puzzle; each has a moment to shine. The Playhouse has assembled a cast of men whose careers are vast and individual � spanning Broadway to regional theatre, all vital members of the local theatre community - many of whom have strong ties to Flat Rock Playhouse. Ralph Redpath who has been a part of the Playhouse since 1971, plays the heroic juror who is devoted to justice. A graduate of the Yale School of Drama, Redpath has appeared in or directed over 100 plays on the Flat Rock stage and served as artistic director of the greenville Community Theatre for 11 years.

The cast also includes: Kermit Brown who has worked with NC Stage Co, SART, FRP and the Autumn Players of greenville Community Theatre and has toured with Jackie Gleason, Helen Hayes, Louis Jourdan and Rosemary Harris; Charlie Flynn-McIver who is the Artistic Director and co-founder of NC Stage Company; David Earl Hart whose credits include FRP, Off Broadway, Regional, 5 National Tours and the Tony Winning Show Boat; Peter Jaye who has performed on Broadway and Off-Broadway with James Earl Jones in King Oedipus, since moving to the area has performed locally at FRP, in Charlotte and Greenville; Andrew Livingston who grew up taking classes with YouTheatre and is a graduate of the MFA acting program at Northern Illinois University and has also trained at the Moscow Art Theatre; Michael MacCauley, whose television credits include Law and Order, Law and Order SVU, Law and Order Criminal Intent, New York Undercover, and Swift Justice; Kevin McKee who launched his career at the Playhouse, has performed regionally and internationally and co-managed greenville Community Theatre with Ralph Redpath; David Novak is an author and storyteller who tours many one-man shows across the country and is often featured at the National Storytelling Festival; Willie Repoley is co-founder of Immediate Theatre Project and The Redundant Theatre Company Theatre and has been a performer for FRP and NC Stage Co.; Scott Treadway, the Associate Artistic Director of the Playhouse; and Nathan Thomas who also grew up taking classes with YouTheatre and is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. The show is directed by Neela Mu�oz who is a regional director, teacher, consultant and commercial actress who has been associated with the Playhouse for nearly twenty years.

Produced by Flight Wood Grill & Wine Bar, "12 Angry Men" is onstage June 30 through July 18. The Historic Courthouse is located on Main Street in downtown Hendersonville at One Historic Courthouse Square. Evening performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 8:00 and matinee performances are most Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00. Tickets to "12 Angry Men" are $40 with limited seating in the Courtroom. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Playhouse box office at 828-693-0731, toll-free at 866-732-8008 or online at www.flatrockplayhouse.org.

(Images provided by Flat Rock Playhouse.)

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