Washington Community Theater presents ‘12 Incompetent Jurors’

WASHINGTON — A group of performers will present their rendition of “12 Incompetent Jurors” for the final time at the Washington Community Theater this weekend. The script is a comedic take on the more famous teleplay turned movie “12 Angry Men,” where instead of deliberating over a murder trial, a dozen jury members deliberate in excruciating detail over an alleged cat thief.

Director Shirley Gilmore said the lineup of oddball characters offered an entertaining production.

“We have one that’s prone to anxiety, and another one who is very sensible. There’s a bratty young person that’s always texting, (and) a bickering couple,” she said. “They just can’t seem to get together. Each one has their spot during the show, and they portray their characteristic very well.”

Gilmore said she’d been involved in the play — years ago, in another state — and was excited to put it on in Washington.

Performers have spent just under two months in preparation for the show, which debuted last week. Gilmore said the cast was also quite unusual: the show’s characters are portrayed by a total of four (real-world) married couples, four actors who have never performed in Washington before, and three who are making their acting debut in the performance.

“It was well received, and it’s funny,” she said. “It has been a joy to work with all of these people. Come prepared to laugh, we want to hear you laugh out-loud.”

“Twelve Incompetent Jurors” debuted at the Washington Community Theater last week, but will show again Oct. 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 20 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available at WCTheater.com.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com