CNY Playhouse Stages Classic Courtroom Drama '12 Angry Jurors'

The production explores timeless themes of prejudice, social backgrounds, and personal demons through the lens of jury deliberation.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:37pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring stark, jagged geometric shapes in black, red, and white, conceptually representing the tense courtroom drama of '12 Angry Jurors' without any literal depictions.The CNY Playhouse's production of '12 Angry Jurors' explores the complexities of the justice system through the intimate lens of a jury room deliberation.Syracuse Today

CNY Playhouse is presenting a production of '12 Angry Jurors', an adaptation of the classic courtroom drama '12 Angry Men', from April 10-19. The play, directed by Amy Prieto, features a talented ensemble cast and explores themes of prejudice, social backgrounds, and personal demons through the intimate setting of a jury room deliberation.

Why it matters

The production of '12 Angry Jurors' at CNY Playhouse provides a contemporary take on a classic play that continues to resonate with audiences. The exploration of timeless themes around the imperfections of the justice system and the biases of its participants is particularly relevant, as the play encourages viewers to reflect on their own preconceptions and the complexities of decision-making.

The details

Written as a teleplay by Reginald Rose in 1954, '12 Angry Men' was first staged in San Francisco the following year. The most celebrated version is the 1957 film directed by Sidney Lumet. In 1997, William Friedkin directed an updated version. The CNY Playhouse production features an adaptation by Sherman L. Sergel, which includes female actors in several roles. The set design by Christopher James Lupia evokes a 1950s courthouse room, with two large wooden tables at the center of the stage where the 12 jurors deliberate. As the jurors discuss the case, their personal biases and prejudices are gradually revealed, leading to heated debates and accusations.

  • The production runs from April 10-19, 2026.
  • The play is approximately 110 minutes long, including a 20-minute intermission.

The players

CNY Playhouse

A community theater company in Syracuse, New York, presenting the production of '12 Angry Jurors'.

Amy Prieto

The director of the CNY Playhouse production of '12 Angry Jurors'.

Christopher James Lupia

The set designer for the CNY Playhouse production of '12 Angry Jurors'.

Reginald Rose

The original playwright who wrote '12 Angry Men' as a teleplay in 1954.

Sherman L. Sergel

The playwright who adapted '12 Angry Men' into '12 Angry Jurors', including female actors in several roles.

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What they’re saying

“CNY Playhouse, as a community theater company, is to be commended for attempting such an intimate, serious play that evokes such soaring, yet all-to-familiar aspects of human behavior.”

— Tony Curulla, Reviewer

What’s next

The production of '12 Angry Jurors' at CNY Playhouse will continue its run through April 19, 2026.

The takeaway

The CNY Playhouse production of '12 Angry Jurors' provides a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of the justice system and the biases that can influence decision-making, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own preconceptions and the importance of fairness and impartiality in the judicial process.