This month, The Suffolk presents its very first live theatrical production with three performances of Reginald Rose’s play “12 Angry Men” running March 28 to 30.
Directed by Joe Minutillo, the play is set in the sweltering summer of 1958 in Manhattan, where 12 jurors are deciding the life or death fate of a teenage boy accused of murdering his father. Tensions run high as a lone dissenter questions the evidence and the assumptions made by the other jurors, sparking a tense and thoughtful examination of the case.
As the jurors deliberate, they confront their own biases, prejudices and personal struggles, gradually revealing how their individual perspectives influence their decision-making. This provocatively resonant American drama explores the complexities of reasonable doubt and heroism in the pursuit of justice.
Written by Reginald Rose in 1954, “12 Angry Men” was originally a teleplay that aired on CBS. The piece was later adapted into a highly acclaimed film in 1957, directed by Sidney Lumet, which helped cement its place in American theater and film history.
This show marks an important milestone as the first live theatrical production to ever be produced in The Suffolk’s 12-year history. As a performing arts center that is most widely known for live music, The Suffolk is taking this leap in expanding its programming under the guidance of Gary Hygom, The Suffolk’s executive director, who in a previous position was a producer at Sag Harbor’s Bay Street Theater.
“I am excited to present this timely and intensely entertaining piece of theater,” Hygom said. “An amazing cast has been assembled and we are getting ready to create a truly must-see moment in the history of this beautiful venue.”
In addition to the public performances of the play, The Suffolk will be presenting three weekday performances for middle and high school classes as part of “Live Edition,” its new flagship educational program which invites schools from across Long Island to see live productions of material studied in their classrooms along with informational talkbacks.
“Having an educational program is imperative to me and it makes our performing arts center a more integral part of the community,” Hygom explained. “I am thrilled that we have finally begun creating programs that fulfill this responsibility and make us a better, more well-rounded theater.”
At the helm is the production’s director, Joe Minutillo. No stranger to Long Island theater, he has directed productions at Bay Street Theater, Patchogue Theatre and The Gateway. He’s also a founding member of the New York State Theatre Education Association (NYSTEA) and was honored with the Rod Marriott Award for Theatre Education in New York.
“Our justice system is the cornerstone of democracy, yet today, our justice system faces increasing scrutiny and division,” Minutillo said. “‘12 Angry Men’ serves as a powerful reminder that democracy relies on the integrity of its citizens. It is a gripping exploration of how personal bias, misinformation and the courage of a single voice can shape the outcome of justice.
“In a time when truth itself is debated, this play is more relevant than ever.”
The show’s set design is by Gary Hygom, lighting design is by Annabel Soucy, costume is by Teresa LeBrun and sound design is by Meg Sexton.
The all-male cast features: Michael Bertolini, Mike Boland, Matt Conlon, Phil Eberhardt, Josh Gladstone, Randall Hemming, Christopher Lecrenn, Jerome Foster Lewis, Brian McCready, Paul Novello, Dayne Rasmussen, Paul Velutis and Nick Zappetti.
Performances of “12 Angry Men” at The Suffolk are Friday and Saturday, March 28 and 29, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, March 30, at 2 p.m. All performances will be followed by a talkback Q&A with judges and other members of the judicial system. Tickets are $25 to $55 at thesuffolk.org. The Suffolk is at 118 East Main Street in Riverhead.
Staff Writer on Mar 4, 2025