Four and a half stars
Roundabout Theatre Company;
Broadway Across America Indianapolis; directed by Scott Ellis;
Murat Theatre; April 1-6

Reginald Rose’s writing is as deft as sharks circling in for the kill. Under Scott Ellis’ direction, the cast delivered an exquisite ensemble performance; the design team translated atmosphere as an active verb. Why is this 1954 script of a jury charged with delivering a verdict of guilty or not guilty still not only relevant, but essential? Primarily because we sweat through 90 minutes of wariness and ultimate consensus toward “reasonable doubt.” We affirm our own frailties and seek our strengths in confronting and ultimately comprehending bullies, bigots and blowhards. We are in the presence of justice on the brink of being devoured. Our democracy cannot survive without Juror No. 8, who admits uncertainty. Bravo to Broadway Across America Indianapolis for bringing us into this realization.