Witness the Taut Drama of Twelve Angry Men at Avon Players
Classic play explores timeless themes about the nature of justice and the legal system
ROCHESTER HILLS, MI, October 15, 2026 – Avon Players’ 80th season continues with the enduring legal drama Twelve Angry Men, running November 6-21.
On a hot summer day after a long trial, a jury must decide whether a 19-year-old man is guilty of murdering his father. It looks like an open-and-shut case until one juror (Jeff Stillman), reluctant to rush to judgment, begins persuading others to truly consider the evidence. Each juror reveals his own character as the various testimonies are re-examined and the murder is re-enacted. Tempers get short and arguments grow heated as jurors change their minds and question their preconceptions. The jurors' final verdict and how they reach it—in tense scenes that will electrify audiences—make for an important and timely exploration of justice and the legal system.
Twelve Angry Men was adapted by playwright Sherman Sergel from the 1954 teleplay of the same name by Reginald Rose for the CBS Anthology series Studio One. The stage version debuted in 1955 at San Francisco’s Marina Auditorium. However, most audience members are likely to be most familiar with the 1957 film adaptation directed by Sidney Lumet. The motion picture starred Henry Fonda along with an ensemble of recognizable character actors including Lee J. Cobb, Ed Begley, E.G. Marshall, and Jack Warden. The film was initially a box office disappointment despite wide critical success, but it has since come to be regarded as an undisputed classic appearing on many lists of the best of the 20th century.
Director Patrick Daniels, whose previous directing endeavor at Avon Players was the legal thriller A Few Good Men, was drawn to the show in large part because of his passion for the legal system. Daniels has just finished law school at Michigan State University and hopes to become a public defense attorney. He sees the play as a vehicle for audience members to learn about the legal system, especially the importance of reasonable doubt, and consider how biases influence decisions in trials. “From the start the jurors seem set on a particular verdict that is largely rooted in assumptions based on the defendant’s demographics. One juror understands the stakes, that someone’s life is on the line. The tension and drama come from clashes over what justice means and how it should be carried out,” Daniels said.
Twelve Angry Men is rated PG for descriptions of violence. The show is presented through special arrangements with Dramatic Publishing. All authorized materials are provided by Dramatic Publishing. www.dramaticpublishing.com
Tickets for all shows are $30. Call 248.608.9077 for tickets or order online at www.avonplayers.org. Discounts on group rates are available by calling the box office. “Like” Avon Players Theatre on Facebook for special offers on tickets. All major credit cards are accepted. All seats are reserved. Show dates and times follow (note the new evening showtimes for the 2026-2027 season):
Saturday, Nov 7 7:30 PM
Sunday, Nov 8 2:00 PM
Friday, Nov 13 7:30 PM
Saturday, Nov 14 7:30 PM
Sunday, Nov 15 2:00 PM
Friday, Nov 20 7:30 PM
Saturday, Nov 21 7:30 PM
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Avon Players is celebrating its 80th season of bringing quality entertainment to its community. Founded in 1947, Avon Players is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit community theatre located along the winding banks of Stoney Creek in the quaint Historic District of Rochester Hills, only about two miles from the heart of downtown Rochester. Avon Players has been performing shows in its unique A-frame theater since 1965. With ticket prices set at a fraction of those at professional theaters (plus free parking), a family of four can experience a sensational live theatrical event for about the cost of one ticket at a "downtown" venue. And for regular theatre-goers, an affordable outing can be an even better bargain by taking advantage of Avon Players’ season ticket packages, which yield discounts of up to 15% per ticket. Additionally, season ticket holders enjoy priority seating selection and voting privileges in Avon’s annual “Stoney Awards.” Additional information regarding tickets and productions is available by calling the Avon Players box office at 248.608.9077 or by visiting the website: www.avonplayers.org.
Cast and Production Staff by Community:
Patrick Daniels (Director)
Patty Hagel (Properties Design)
Detroit
Byron Keys (“Juror 1”)
Rochester
Aaron Barnes (“Juror 4”)
Kristine Barnes (Set Dress)
Peter Buccilli (“Juror 12”)
Stephen Maksymiuk (“Juror 9”)
Rochester Hills
John (JD) Deierlein (Lighting Design)
Ryan Donnellon (“Juror 11”)
Lisa Schein (Producer)
Michael Zois (“Juror 10”)
Royal Oak
Brandon Niemi (“Juror 5”)
Shelby Township
Mark Palmer (Sound Design)
Pamela Plewa (Costume Design)
Troy
Mark Colley (“Juror 6”)
Warren
John Hallisy (“Juror 7”)
Waterford
Chris Stepnitz (“Juror 3”)
Jeff Stillman (“Juror 8,” Set Design)
West Bloomfield
Matthew Praschan (“Juror 2”)
Avon Players
Michelle Box Office Manager
Witness the Taut Drama of Twelve Angry Men at Avon Players
Friday, Nov 6 7:30 PM