HCA/TriStar Broadway at TPAC will present the Roundabout Theatre Company’s critically acclaimed national touring production of the Broadway hit, TWELVE ANGRY MEN, playing eight performances May 6-11, at TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall.
The show will once again star Richard Thomas as “Juror 8.” Also returning from last season are Mike Boland, Charles Borland, Todd Cerveris, Jeffrey Hayenga, David Lively, Mark Morettini and Julian Gamble. Rounding out the cast are Kevin Dobson, Thomas Gebbia, James Greene, Tony Ward and Mike DiSalvo.
“TWELVE ANGRY MEN is such an important piece of theatre, and its success in New York and on their extended tour is a testament to that,” said Kathleen O’Brien, TPAC’s president and CEO. “When plays of this caliber are available, we work hard to include them in our Broadway series, as a balance to beloved musicals. I’m pleased to say that this production will live up to the buzz surrounding it. Richard Thomas and the full cast of jurors present powerful, compelling performances and audiences will leave the theater intrigued, and with much to discuss.”
In addition to the critical accolades for the show, TWELVE ANGRY MEN has been the recipient of several local awards for excellence including the Independent Reviewers of New England Best Visiting Production – Large Stage Award for the Boston engagement, Cincinnati’s Acclaim Award for Best Touring Production and a Helen Hayes Award nomination for Outstanding Non-resident Production (Washington, D.C.).
Written by Reginald Rose and directed by Scott Ellis (Roundabout Associate Artistic Director), TWELVE ANGRY MEN is the first touring production for the not-for-profit organization. The design team for TWELVE ANGRY MEN includes Allen Moyer (sets), Michael Krass (costumes), Paul Palazzo (lights) and Brian Ronan (sound).
In TWELVE ANGRY MEN, a young delinquent awaits sentencing for the manslaughter of his aggressive father. Twelve jurors are corralled in a room for their deliberations in a murder trial. One juror feels that there is a “reasonable doubt” - to the frustration of his eleven colleagues - thereby preventing a quick verdict. During the heated debate, the hidden preconceptions and assumptions of the jurors are revealed. When faced with playing the hangman, each juror is forced to face himself.
“Twelve Angry Men,” originally written as a teleplay that appeared in 1954 on CBS’ drama series “Studio One,” was one of the brightest jewels of television’s Golden Age. The story was subsequently made into a major motion picture in 1957. Reginald Rose, who would go on to create and write scripts for the television series, “The Defenders,” wrote a stage version in 1964. In 1997, Showtime, in response to questions about “reasonable doubt” raised during the OJ Simpson trial, produced a new movie version with a racially diverse cast.
Roundabout Theatre Company’s Broadway production of TWELVE ANGRY MEN was the longest -running production at their home, the American Airlines Theatre, extending an unprecedented seven times to run for 32 weeks. This production marked the first time the show was ever seen on a Broadway stage. Its record-breaking run earned three Tony Award nominations and unanimous praise from the critics
InsideOut, one of four TPAC Education programs, will offer a pre-show Arts Appetizer on Wednesday, May 7, at 6:15 pm in James K. Polk Lobby. This event, which is open to the public, features cast members from the production and local professionals who discuss topics relevant to the performance. For more information, visit www.tpac.org/insideout.
Tickets for TWELVE ANGRY MEN range from $20-65, depending on performance time and seat location. For tickets, visit www.tpac.org/12angrymen, the TPAC Box Office (Downtown or at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in The Mall at Green Hills), or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 615-255-ARTS (2787). Group discounts for 20 or more are available by calling 615-782-4060.
Performance dates:
May 6-11, Andrew Jackson Hall at TPAC, 505 Deaderick Street, Nashville
Performance times:
7:30 pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
8:00 pm Friday
2:00 pm and 8:00 pm Saturday
1:00 pm and 6:30 pm Sunday
Tickets:
$20-65 for single tickets, depending on performance day and seat locations.