‘Jurors’ is guilty of thought-provoking drama

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Grosse Pointe South High School’s Pointe Players are kicking off their theater season with a show that’s sure to get audiences talking.

The actors will be staging the compelling drama “12 Angry Jurors” at 7 p.m. Nov. 2-4 in the South auditorium. Based on the classic film, “12 Angry Men,” the play looks at a diverse jury as its members wrestle with the question of whether the evidence presented to them in court proves that a young man is guilty of murder. A special pre-show will take place at 6:30 p.m. each evening, for anyone interested in seeing that as well.

“This is a really great vehicle for getting people together to talk about issues, to talk about conversation itself, to engage with each other,” said South English and drama teacher Daniel DeMarco, who is heading the school’s drama department for this first time this year. “People are so wired to lash out. We need something to alleviate that.”

DeMarco said he also liked the fact that this was a true ensemble piece. The jurors are all identified by number, not by name, and while they were all men in the original film, DeMarco said that’s not the case with his cast.

South senior Dylan DeMarco, who plays Juror 4, is excited to be performing in one of his dad’s shows for the first time, after watching other ones he’s directed.

“I’ve never been able to be in one of his shows (before),” Dylan DeMarco said. “It’s great (to have this opportunity).”

He’s also welcoming the chance to occupy a serious role after previously appearing in comedies.

Junior Aliana Ritter plays Juror 8.

“I think it’s a really mature and contemporary production,” said Ritter, who always tries to take part in student theater productions. “I think judicial review is always going to be something that’s important. There’s a lot of controversies (over) unfair trials.”

She said the play “is very complex” and contains many “moral of the story moments” for audience members to mull after the curtain closes.

Jack Slawson, a senior who plays Juror 3, feels this show will appeal to a wide age range.

“It’s just really interesting,” Slawson said. “There’s a diverse set of characters and interactions. There’s a reason we chose this show: it’s timeless.”

While the characters may vehemently disagree with each other, Daniel DeMarco said his cast gets along well with one another when they’re not verbally sparring onstage.

“They are definitely bringing a sense of community,” he said.

Ritter said she’s made many good friends doing theater, a point with which her castmates heartily agreed.

Some of the play’s language is dated — such as references to a “switch-knife,” which today is known as a switchblade. But the cast say the issues it raises remain pertinent.

“It’s good writing, above all else,” Dylan DeMarco said.

Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for students. They can be purchased by cash or check at the door; checks should be made payable to Pointe Players.

“If they come, they are going to have a thoughtful experience,” Daniel DeMarco said. “They are going to laugh a little. They are going to be challenged, but not in a way that’s meant to harm. We do it in a way that’s thought-provoking.”

Grosse Pointe South High School is located at 11 Grosse Pointe Blvd. in Grosse Pointe Farms.