It has always been one of my biggest regrets that I can’t call myself a theater kid. Despite my love of theater, I’ve never actually participated in it. But that doesn’t at all diminish my enjoyment of plays, musicals and everything in between.
On November 2, 2023, Naperville Central High School’s theater division, Theater Central, debuted their fall play. Their rendition of 12 Angry Jurors took place at Naperville Central’s Black Box Theater, and was extremely well attended. 12 Angry Jurors tells the story of a jury debating the fate of a young man standing trial for the murder of his father. What seems like an open and shut case quickly becomes shadowed in doubt as the jury debates and tensions rise.
I was lucky enough to attend the opening night of 12 Angry Jurors and everything about it, from the set pieces to the performance, screamed high production value. The engaging storyline and flawless acting made for an experience that sucked me in for hours and didn’t let me go until the final bow.
I spoke with Maya Lukasik, who played a lead role in 12 Angry Jurors, and she said that one of her favorite parts about being in the play was “…the cast. Everyone is incredibly talented. We all put on a fabulous, fabulous show.”
Janaki Amerson, who also played a major role, agreed. She said her favorite part was “…the people. It was a small cast, so it was a really, really great community.”
Maya also mentioned that Mrs. Johnson, Theater Central’s supervising teacher, “…already casted for The Play That Goes Wrong, which is our winter main stage.”
Keep an eye out for The Play That Goes Wrong produced by Theater Central, which will be showing from February 29 to March 2.
