Stage

The Jury Has a Verdict

Emily Anderson, photos by Timothy Mather |

Alternate title: A Dozen Disgruntled Dudes
Alternate title: A Dozen Disgruntled Dudes

The Menomonie Theater Guild is kicking off its 54th season with an edgy drama entitled Twelve Angry Men. Adapted from Reginald Rose’s 1957 movie by Sherman Sergel, Twelve Angry Men is about the trial of a 19-year old man who is convicted of stabbing and killing his own father. The twelve jurors who have been selected to hear the case initially think that it will be a simple, open and shut case. However, once they start discussing the facts it becomes clear that this case will not be as simple as they thought. The all-male cast of fourteen is comprised mostly of veterans to the Menomonie Theatre Guild. Director Robert Butterfield is also a veteran to the Menomonie Theatre Guild as both an actor and director, but Twelve Angry Men is his directorial debut for a main stage show. Butterfield volunteered to direct this show because he has loved the story since he saw the movie version. “It’s tense, exciting, and entertaining,” said Butterfield. “This show is about twelve average men who are asked to do an impossible task...decide on the life or death of a fellow human being.” Besides the entertaining storyline, Butterfield is also excited about how talented and determined his cast is. The group of men has been hard at work since late September to make this show the best it can be. If you are looking to see a quality and entertaining production, Twelve Angry Men is definitely it.