Interview with the Cast of "Twelve Angry Men" #3

 For our third interview with the cast of Twelve Angry Men, let's hear from Luke Matlock, who's making his return to the world of community theatre with this show. Welcome back, Luke!

Q: In case our reader isn't familiar with it, tell us the basic story behind Twelve Angry Men.

Luke: Twelve Angry Men is the story of 12 jurors locked in a cramped and stuffy deliberation room, dutifully sworn to decide if a young man is guilty, beyond a reasonable doubt, of murder. Tempers rise as heated debate ensues and the temperature of the room elevates with the sweltering summer heat. Each man is pushed to his limits as they all attempt to reach a majority vote.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Luke: Juror #2 is a young and somewhat indecisive man. He is easily swayed by clever, thought-provoking arguments, but he struggles to stand on his own. He tends to be easily intimidated and to let his emotions affect his decisions.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Luke: I performed in several musicals in middle/high school, and held the lead male role (Prince Charming) in a college production of the musical Cinderella during my freshman year. After that, I decided to focus on my vocal music performance degree, but I participated each spring in our college show choir. TAM is my first venture back into theatre since, and my first production in the real world (not in school). It's been the absolute best experience, better than I could have hoped!

Q: What's the most challenging thing staging this show?

Luke: All of the action of this show takes place in a jury room. What better effect for an audience than to have them literally INSIDE the jury room with the jurors? The 12 men sit around a table in the center of the space, and the audience flanks the table to either side. The challenge this presents is unique, because for some of us, only half of the audience will see our faces unless we get up and move around or twist about in our seats (and trust me, there's plenty of movement in this show). We've met that challenge head-on, and I truly feel that the audience will appreciate the intimacy the set has to offer. It provides a real, engaging experience, and the anger and emotion within that room can be felt by all.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Luke: Read my answer to the previous question.

But seriously - the only information the audience receives about the trial, and the crime allegedly committed, comes from the different perspectives of the 12 men faced with the tough and very real decision of condemning a man (a boy, really) to death. While I could go on and on about the talent of each of my co-stars (I've been blown away by the amazing job these guys have done, and in such a short amount of time!), what excites me more is the intellectual and emotional levels this show brings to the table and what it leaves the audience feeling - all the way up to that final moment when the lights go out...

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Luke: You can catch any of four performances on Feb. 7, and/or Feb. 8 in the Renaissance Ballroom of the old Huntington High School. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and it's "lights up" at 8 p.m. Don't miss it!