[ad_1]
In the wake of the recent “whodunnit” murder mystery, members of the Athens Community Theatre will ask a different question in their current production, “Is he/she guilty?” Audiences will be judges as they watch 12 unworthy jurors deliberation and mischief by jurors who are chosen to decide the fate of the so-called cat catchers.
Ian McWethy’s 12 Incompetent Jurors is a fast-paced, character-driven comedy-drama parody of the acclaimed courtroom drama 12 Angry Men. The production of ACT will run from July 15th to 17th at the Quonset Hut Theatre, 132 Capital Avenue North, Athens, under the direction of husband and wife team Brad and Linda Kenyon.
Although Brad Kenyon has directed several plays at Quonset Hut, this is Linda’s directorial debut in Michigan, and she hasn’t sat in directing since the family moved to Athens from Indiana a few years ago. on the chair. She likes to encourage actors to use their creativity to differentiate their characters.
“It was a little frustrating at times during rehearsals because in addition to directing the show, Brad and I were both playing a juror,” Linda said. She finds herself expressing her lines while also mentally jotting down what the actors are doing, which can be tricky.
“When you’re standing on stage in the middle of a performance, it’s hard to see what’s going on on stage,” added Brad. The structure of the play and the flow of lines help define the stage, so that helps a lot. But sometimes it’s like a herding cat because it’s so smooth.
None of the Kenyons have seen the play elsewhere, leaving them free to put their own, untouched stamp on it. They tweaked the dialogue a bit to make sure it’s still family friendly for the audience.
Another factor in Kenyons’ favor is that they’re directing a veteran cast that includes two other family members, with the exception of newcomer Greg Barnes, who has previously worked with the rest of the cast of “12 Incompetent” on other shows as Jurors . ”
For Barnes, acting in theater is a checklist item. However, he stepped right into a huge section and was nailing it. Linda said she was pleased with how well he fit in with the rest of the cast, “that the actors had some great chemistry in the characters they created for themselves.” She thinks theatergoers should plan to start having fun, a Laugh out loud when you enter the theater, “Laughter is good for the soul, and we need to be free from the real-world bullshit.”
’12 Incompetent Jurors’ cast includes Linda Kenyon, Ellie Price, Shannon Kenyon, Seth Fick, Brad Kenyon, Roshan Kenyon, Tabitha Kenyon Dylan, Greg Barnes, Emma Tennyson, Katie Woodward, Carrie Win and Samantha Fick. Abbie Zech served as cue and stage crew, while Mark Doubleday handled the soundboard and lighting.
According to Brad Kenyon, the show reminds us that no matter what discussion or deliberation we’re in, we’re always filtering topics through our own experiences. This plays out in a very stark and hilarious way throughout the drama.
The last show at the Quonset Hut theatre was sold out. Actors hope that “12 Incompetent Jurors” will have an equally high turnout.
Admission will be by donation, Friday, July 15th at 7pm and Saturday, July 16th at 7pm; and Sunday, July 17th at 4pm matinee. Sarah Jordan-Grubb will be on hand to provide popcorn, drinks and other deals. No seat reservation is required.
[ad_2]
Source link