VW Drama Club plans courtroom drama

BARB THOMPSON/special to The Van Wert independent

Van Wert High School’s Drama Club is fast-approaching the time for its autumn stage production and feels that, this year, the VWHS actors would like to do things a little differently. They’ve decided to familiarize their faithful theatre-going fanson what they can actually look forward to in mid-November, coming up soon.

Previously, one-act plays have been performed in the fall and received with much enthusiasm, I might add, but this year, they’d like to try another route, and have chosen the play, Twelve Angry Jurors.

Students and the two co-directors, Chad Kraner and Matt Alessandrini, began working on the play in mid-September, with practices beginning immediately after choosing the 13 actors required.

The play dates are set for Thursday, November 15, and Friday, November 16, at 7 p.m. at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio, which is connected to Van Wert High School on State Route 118, south of the city.

The actors chosen include Morella Mills, Hannah Fraser, Scott Turner, Robbie Trittschuh, James Defore, Elizabeth Lassiter, Ashlee Dowdy, Jesse Daniels, Alexa Freeland, Sage Burden, Stephanie Haggis, Alexis Billingham and Alea Hill.

The stage crew consists of Matt Saunier, Hannah Putt, Summer Combs, Sierra Kesler, Hannah Stemen and Haley Sperry.

The play produces raw, fly-high emotions during intense courtroom drama as the jurors consider what is reasonable doubt, examine evidence, and are told to “open” their minds and the possibility of wasting time on a “cut and dry” case. One juror tries to add her perspective as a recent citizen.

A 19-year-old man is standing trial for the fatal stabbing of his father. It looks like an open-and-shut case — until one of the jurors begins opening the others’ eyes to the facts!

These Van Wert students are working hard to put on a premiere show for their audiences. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased from theatre students by e-mailing: vwhsdramaclub@gmail.com or at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Tickets are also available at the NPAC box office or at the door the nights of the performance. Cost is students $5 and adults $7.

The cast of the Van Wert High School Drama Club’s production of 12 Angry Jurors. (VWCS photo)