The Sheboygan Theatre Company announced the cast and crew for the jury room drama, “Twelve Angry Men,” adapted by Sherman Sergel and based on the television movie by Reginald Rose. Community Bank and Trust will sponsor the third production. The Stefanie H. Weill Charitable Fund and Acuity for the Arts continue their sponsorship for the 76^th season.

The story of “Twelve Angry Men” will be set in the 1950’s. It tells the story of 12 different personalities clashing while they serve on a jury that must decide the fate of a 19-year-old boy accused of murder.

The play takes place in one jury room during the course of one long and hot afternoon. While each of the twelve jurors have their own distinct personas, no character is known or mentioned by name. Each juror is simply labeled by their juror number, one through twelve.

The protagonist, Juror 8, is the lone ‘not guilty’ in what seems to be an open and shut case to everyone else. Mike Roehl will portray the role, made famous by Henry Fonda in the 1957 movie. Roehl has been seen in many roles, last being John Hancock in “1776.” To contend with Juror 8’s staunch search for the truth is his nemesis Juror 3, played by newcomer Kris Knudsen.

Joining Knudsen as newcomers the Sheboygan Theatre Company will be Dave Payton and Russ Wiverstad. Payton, a teacher at Immanuel Lutheran School, will play the timid and meek Juror 2. Wiverstad makes his first ever, acting debut. The retired Lakeland College adjunct professor will play Juror 9, the oldest juror who is a bit defeated by life.

There are a number of other strong personalities Juror 8 must deal with. Jeff Kelm, seen in last season’s “Our Town,” plays Juror 10, an uncensored, bitter bigot. While Juror 10 is driven by emotions and prejudices, Juror 4 represents the wealthy, educated man, only interested in the facts. Juror 4 is played by Leopold Shircel whose been seen in “1776” and “Clue: the Musical.” Rounding out the antagonists is Randall Elliott Stache, playing Juror 7, a loud abrasive bully.

Despite the title of “Twelve Angry Men,” the cast does consist of two women. Michelle Bestul, last seen as Sylvia in “All Shook Up,” will be Juror 5, an inexperienced young person who is sensitive about her underprivileged background. Julie Tyson, last seen in 2001’s “It’s a Wonderful Life,” will play the quiet but honest Juror 6.

Doing his best to lead the group of juror’s will be the Foreman, Chris Fontaine, previously seen in “All Shook Up.” Following his performances in this season’s “All Shook Up” and “Meet Me in St. Louis,” Frank Weidner returns as Juror 12, a superficial, smarmy advertising agent. Rounding out the jurors is Michael Eberhardy, stepping in to play a European immigrant determined to properly do his duty as an American citizen. The final members of the cast include Clark R. Kirst, playing the Guard, and Kevin M. Lampe as an understudy.

Guest director Glenn Schultz helms “Twelve Angry Men.” Helping him will be stage manager, Samantha Lin Pool. “Twelve Angry Men” features a set design by Production Manager/Set Designer, Dustin L. Uhl, Technical Supervisor, Eric Rautmann, and Lighting Designer/Master Electrician Rick Klein. Costume designs are by Beverly Dulmes, while Christy Zimmermann is designing make-up and Joe Selinski the sound. Karen Herman is the Property Master and Susan Baumgart is the Master Painter. The Master Carpenters include Lloyd Reilly and Jon Cook.

“Twelve Angry Men” will open Friday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m. Subsequent performances at 7:30 p.m. will be February 6, 10, 11, 12 and 13. Sunday, February 7 will be a matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. The production will take place at the Leslie W. Johnson Theatre, 2820 Union Avenue, Sheboygan.

Admission is $20.00 for adults, $16.00 for seniors sixty and over and $10.00 for children through college students. Tickets are available at the Theatre Company office at the Community Recreation Department, 607 S. Water Street, or at the theatre box office 45 minutes before curtain of each performance. To learn more visit www.sheboygantheatercompany.org and then call 920/459-3779 to reserve tickets or for further information.