York Drama Presents Classic and Contemporary Takes on Twelve Angry Men

Contact: York Community High School - Performing Arts: Rebecca Marianetti at rmarianetti@elmhurst205.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24 , 2023

York Drama to Present Classic and Contemporary Takes on the Seminal Drama,“Twelve Angry Men”
– Feb. 2-4 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. in the Baker Auditorium at York High School –

Elmhurst, IL – York Community High School proudly presents “Twelve Angry Men” on Feb. 2-4 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. in the Baker Auditorium. A play known for its origins as the teleplay by Reginald Rose and starring Henry Fonda, York Drama looks forward to breathing new life and improved commentary to this classic drama.

As a 19-year-old man stands trial for murdering his father, 12 total strangers must convene to decide his fate. The room is hot, tempers are hotter, and the fight for truth comes to a boil in this fast-paced, highly-celebrated play.

“Dramatically, there are few shows as time-honored as ‘Twelve Angry Men,’” Rebecca Marianetti, director, said. “And while many people feel they may already know the show, we are most proud of the discoveries we have found by choosing two casts that represent diverse perspectives, ideas, and upbringings.”

For York Drama, this means a double cast show featuring two tones. On Thursday and Saturday, audiences will travel to the 1950s in a classic presentation of the play with a twist: in a room full of men, one woman will stand alone in her attempt to cast reasonable doubt on the case. Alternatively, on Friday and Sunday, a contemporary cast in 2023 will consider the question composed of jurors that more closely mirror those of our modern day.

“We felt drawn to this show particularly because of how different we saw it in the kaleidoscope of social issues our world is facing,” Matt Bourke, director, said. “Through the process, we’ve been struck by our students’ engagement in conversations on justice, gender, and truth, and the remarkable connections they draw between this world and the world of the play as actors and citizens.”

The play is nothing new to the Elmhurst community – District 205 middle schools have been reading it for years as a study of the criminal justice system and American drama.

“So many people in our community have either read or heard of this play, but few have been able to see it in a way like this before,” Amelia Koering, senior, said. “It’s amazing that after 70 years, there is still such a relevance that makes you forget that any time has passed between then and now.”

York Drama chose this show with a hope to inspire a new generation of audiences to see themselves in a drama that can feel like it comes from a time far removed. This production hopes to make audiences challenge their notions of not just who they believe, but why they believe them over others.

“ I’ve really enjoyed being able to play with the gender politics of our casts,” Owen Dettman, junior, said. “Having two entirely different interpretations with two entirely different casts has made for an exciting rehearsal process, and I hope it will make for a show just as moving for the audience.”

Cast members were pushed in rehearsals to seek out and explore new performance elements or look at a moment between characters in a new light.

“The most important thing I’ve learned in this production has been the element of discovery,” Oliver Roy, senior, said. “We are constantly discovering new ways to improve ourselves in each run, giving our all to the production to allow it to shine on stage.”

York Drama’s motto of “Be the good” has been a constant feature of this production, grappling with the ideas of courage and standing alone when to go with the group would be so much easier. While the program is thrilled by its final products, it is the process that keeps the students and directors going.

“Our program firmly believes in process over product,” Marianetti said. “We value the journey and all of the discoveries we can make about ourselves and each other along the way. The students have truly created an incredible show for the community, while learning and growing with each moment of rehearsal. Bourke reflects, “Our season theme is ‘Finding Our Light’ this year, and ‘Twelve Angry Men’ has given us an important opportunity to explore the importance of searching for light in darkness.”

“Twelve Angry Men” will be presented Feb. 2-4 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. in the York High School Baker Auditorium. Tickets go on sale to the public Jan. 24, and will be sold for $15 at www.yorkdrama.org.