October 15, 2008
Gender Blind Casting Proves Eye Opening
"Twelve Angry Jurors'' produced by New York State Theatre Institute took a risk when casting the classic, by choosing to audition both men and women for these roles. Most people are familar with the film, "12 Angry Men" starring Henry Fonda. Director Ron Holgate really knew what he was doing when he decided a mixed gender cast would work best for the stage. Audiences from ages 12 to 112 came out to show support for the Theatre Institute's opening play of their 33rd season and it was a hit! The audience felt that the play was a dramatic and refreshing take on an old classic using an adaptation of the original screenplay. Christy Lee Hughes made her NYSTI debut as Juror #5, famously played by Jack Klugman in the movie version. Christy is thrilled and grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such a talented cast and crew at the Theatre Institute and looks forward to many more shows in the future!