2016
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In 2016, we decided to produce two shows — both presented in our legion post hall — MURDER ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL and TWELVE ANGRY JURORS. We outsourced the first show with a wonderful theater company “Theater To Go” out of Lawrenceville, NJ helmed by our friend Ruth Markoe. It was a timely interactive murder mystery about the murder of a presidential candidate. WHO DUN IT? We loved having them travel to our post home! This was the precursor to our big Fall production of Reginald Rose’s TWELVE ANGRY JURORS — based off of the movie TWELVE ANGRY MEN — modernized to allow more diverse characters and current topics. We had very little stage space as we placed two long tables and twelve chairs in the middle of the hall and deliberated right there with the audience four feet away! It was well attended and we expanded and had four performances over two weekends. We mostly pre-cast this show with previous MTM performers and other known experienced community theater actors from the area. Our sitting Post Commander David Snody portrayed the Guard for us! This was an intense show based on the 1957 movie starring Henry Fonda. The premise was jury deliberations following a murder trial of a young man. The first vote was 11-1 for guilty with the one hold out insisting the jury talk to the chagrin of the others. After many explosive discussions, the jury moves back and forth between guilty and not guilty throughout until a final verdict is reached! This show worked well in the intimate space we created and the blocking was designed so it was enjoyable from either side of the audience. This production also was the premier of a straight scripted play instead of our two earlier interactive murder mysteries. The MTM Players had graduated to another level! |
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The following was our promo video produced by our friend Michael Schuimo who incidentally also served as the judge’s voice in the promo and for our live shows! Unfortunately, two of the actors in this video were ultimately replaced by opening night, but the video was so good that we wanted to share it here! Enjoy! |