Our senior Drama Dons have come together for one final show together in “12 Angry Jurors.” Directed by teacher Mr. John Zamora, this cast meets in a courtroom drama to put a spotlight on themes of justice, sympathy, and bias. Taking place in 2003, the last year the death penalty was eligible for first degree murder, these Dons highlighted common subjects in today’s society and fulfilled its promise of being a very psychologically and emotionally challenging play.
Based on Reginald Rose’s 1957 movie, “12 Angry Men,” “12 Angry Jurors” follows the tense story of a diverse jury debating on if they should sentence a teenager to death via electric chair for the alleged murder of his father. While all the testimonies point towards guilty, with eleven of the jurors ready to give the death penalty to the defendant, Juror #8, played by Marissa Martinez, has reasonable doubts about the case. Despite the multiple arguments, accusations, and a near physical quarrel, Juror #8 singlehandly convinces the entire jury to change their minds. After an emotional monologue from Juror #3, played by Jemiah Villasin, they all unanimously vote not guilty and allow the boy to live.
Since rehearsals began in December, the very close cast had been working hard on how to perfectly play into their characters. Senior Reanna Sarinana spent months on refining the French accent of Juror #11. Jemiah Villasin found inspiration through playlists, characters from other movies, and her lasting love for the original film. Although the group put priority into their last senior show, they all agreed another huge reason for auditioning was the topics on prejudice that are still incredibly relevant in modern times.“The theme of this, and the moral of the story, it really plays into what’s going on now, and so it’s nice to have something that creates meaning” said Villasin.
Although the seniors were all close and got along well with each other, their characters contrasted each other and had to pretend like they were complete strangers. “We talked in a setting that’s more professional, but we were also arguing against each other and trying to convince each other of different beliefs,” said Sarinana. They all described this project as a great way to bond with one another right before their final days at Cerritos High School.
If you’d like to come support our school’s drama program, as well as these seniors in their final musical, stay updated for news on Cerritos High School’s spring show, “Curtains,” coming up soon.
