Laguna Hills’ ‘Jurors’ a powerful testament to justice

by Katherine Schloss, published in the OC Register, 11/11/2016

“12 Angry Jurors,” performed by Laguna Hills High School, tells the story of a jury driven to desperation amid heated arguments as seeds of doubt are sown in the murder case they are deciding.

The cast is strong, displaying vulnerability while engaging fully in each moment. As the situation becomes more dire, each actor adopts a physical tick to release stress, but they are still united by common actions, such as going to the window for air.

Eli Buckels plays the level-headed yet passionate Juror No. 8. He gains strength throughout the play, gesticulating purposefully and wiping more and more sweat from the back of his neck as he moves the opinions of the others. It’s a standout moment when he comes to a breaking point, his cries of “Doubt, doubt, doubt!” accompanied by pounding on the table.

Jess Nelson, as Juror No. 3, starts out sarcastic and biting, strutting about the room and staring intensely into the other jurors’ faces. As she becomes more desperate and is faced with opposition, she becomes crazed, cornered and wild, fingers at her lips and eyes wide.

Kayle Stark, as Juror No. 10, represents the snooty elite with her straight-backed posture and glaring pout. Little habits, such as picking at her nails or playing with her pen, create a nonchalant air that is broken when she explodes with prejudiced, scathing remarks. She turns raw and primal, voice breaking and limbs shaking, when the other jurors turn their backs on her.

Julia Zbojna, the Polish Juror No. 11, is soft in voice but strong in demeanor as she gracefully and evenly chronicles the tale of being an immigrant while holding her cigarette with composure.

The simple black box stage, built by the school’s stagecraft class, gives the audience an intimate view and throws them into the case. The hair and makeup committee highlights the social class, personality and age of each juror with both stern and pleasant facial lines and gray hair or plaited up-dos. These unique looks differentiate the jurors and add detail that pops against the neutral background.

The actors show the pressure placed on people to conform as they stand in an intense circle around Juror No. 3 and, in one powerful moment, persuade her to switch her vote. In this situation, the majority rules.

The entire Laguna Hills theater program shines in this delivery of a riveting and powerful version of a famous struggle for justice in 1950s America.