By Jacob Boyd

Town & Gown Publicity

Patrons of Stillwater’s Town & Gown Theatre will be delighted to hear the familiar classic “12 Angry Men” will be on stage Feb. 10-13 and Feb.17-20. Town & Gown has produced this play once before, nearly 20 years ago. It was a hit then and promises to be a night of intense drama you won’t want to miss. “The first time I saw 12 “Angry Men,” I was enthralled with it. What I expected to be somewhat slow and boring actually kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time,” says director Linda Thrasher, a longtime Town and Gown member and volunteer and first time director. “So many social issues are brought to light within the plot, which takes place in the late 1950s.

Sadly, those same issues still exist.

The fate of a man can so easily be determined by others unwilling to seek the truth. Prejudices and unfounded beliefs often affect crucial actions and decisions.”

“12 Angry Men” is about the courage of one man to stand alone against his peers and some questionable evidence presented in the murder trial of a 19-year-old defendant. The cast includes a mix of Town & Gown veterans – some of whom were in the previous cast in 2004 – along with a few new members.

This will also be the first show in several years to be produced fully “in the round,” with seating completely surrounding the show floor. Town & Gown made its mark by being the first community “theater in the round” in Oklahoma at its inception in 1951 and continued that style for many years.

But eventually it became more common to produce plays with major set pieces on one end or side of the stage floor. “12 Angry Men” marks a return to the theater’s roots, providing an even more intimate and immersive experience for the audience.

“12 Angry Men” is recommended for all ages and will run for ten performances. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinées begin at 2:30 p.m. Patrons will be expected to wear masks for all performances. Tickets are on sale. Call the box office at 405-372-9122 or visit www.townandgown. org. Tickets prices are $14 for adults, $12 for students, and $12 for seniors attending either Sunday matinée.