A bold new production of ‘12 Angry Jurors’

The Carroll County Arts Council will present a bold new stage production of “12 Angry Jurors” at the Carroll Arts Center at 2 and 7 p.m. Jan. 28 and 2 p.m. Jan. 29. Based on the Emmy award-winning television movie by Reginald Rose, this powerful play finds 12 individuals battling between sympathy and empathy when a potential death penalty verdict brings into question our protected right to doubt.

Following the closing arguments of a murder trial, the 12 members of the jury must deliberate, with a guilty verdict putting the life of the accused, an innercity teen, at stake. As they try to reach a unanimous decision while sequestered in a room, one juror casts considerable doubt on elements of the case. Personal issues soon rise to the surface, and conflict threatens to derail the delicate process that will decide one boy’s fate.

Featuring a case of 13 local actors, this courtroom drama is a fast-paced reimagining of the American classic, dedicated to stories of diversity and inclusion over the past 70 years.

Each matinee performance will be followed by a post-show discussion to provide audience members with an exclusive opportunity to engage deeper with the material. Through a selection of curated questions, patrons will enjoy analysis, facts and anecdotes from the production team and local experts. There is no additional reservation required for these discussions.

After the matinee on Jan. 28, the discussion panelists include Clyde Johnson (executive director for diversity, equity, and inclusion of Carroll Community College), Gary Honeman (chair of Carroll Citizens for Racial Equity), Marty Kuchma (pastor at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ), Erin Snell (Carroll County PFLAG) and Virginia Harrison (Carroll County Human Relations Commission).

After the matinee on Jan. 29, there will be a discussion with Carroll County Circuit Court’s Associate Judge, The Honorable Maria L. Oesterreicher.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for ages 25 and under and ages 60 and up.

Call 410-848-7272, or go to carrollcountyartscouncil.org. The Carroll Arts Center is at 91 W. Main St., Westminster.