"It's highly unusual for a straight play to enjoy such tremendous success with touring audiences and we are very excited that the demand for the show allows us to tour for a second year," said Roundabout Theatre Company artistic director Todd Haimes. The show marks the first touring production for the not-for-profit organization.
The presentation launched from New Haven, CT's Shubert Theater Sept. 19, 2006, and played in 19 cities nationwide. New dates include stops in Cleveland, Toronto, Costa Mesa, Portland, Hartford, Ft. Lauderdale and Charlotte.
Scott Ellis (Entertaining Mr. Sloane, The Little Dog Laughed) — who directed the Broadway run — staged the classic Reginald Rose jury-room drama for the tour.
Set in a jury room, Twelve Angry Men tells the story of a murder trial in which a youth is alleged to have killed his father. The case seems like an open-and-shut situation as 11 of the unnamed jurors believe the defendant to be guilty. Juror #8, however, is not so certain, stirring up the room and setting off a number of arguments.
Roundabout expects to maintain the ensemble cast for the second year of the tour. No casting beyond Thomas has been announced. The announced stops for the tour include:
The design team — from the original Broadway production — includes Allen Moyer (sets), Michael Krass (costumes), Paul Palazzo (lights) and Brian Ronan (sound).
The Broadway run of Twelve Angry Men — deemed a revival, though the first time the work was staged on Broadway — began previews Oct. 1, 2004, and opened Oct. 28 at the American Airlines Theatre for a scheduled engagement through Dec. 19. The popular show, however, extended its run seven times before finally closing May 15, 2005.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.12angrymentour.com.
