Twelve Angry Jurors
at Capistrano Valley

Reviewed on October 14, 2015

Julia Gordon
San Juan Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Capo Valley's ‘Jurors' delivers a sensational verdict

Julia Gordon is a Junior at San Juan Hills High School


The sweltering Chicago sun blazes through the lone window, the guard locks the jury room door, the vote stands eleven to one in favor of "guilty," and no juror is willing to budge.

Capistrano Valley High School's riveting performance of "Twelve Angry Jurors" follows the seemingly clear-cut case of a 19 year-old boy accused of murdering his father and the twelve jurors' heated deliberation over the boy's guilt—eleven of them unconvinced by Juror #8's belief in a reasonable doubt.

Bessie Kurzeja, portraying the unflappable Juror #8, holds her chin high and radiates confidence when voting "not guilty," much to the disbelief of the other jurors. She slowly paces the stage, her arms crossed and brows furrowed in concentration, then turns toward the other jurors and pleads with emphatic gesticulations and an urgent tone for them to change their votes. Her poise and conviction never falter, even when confronted by the vehement Juror #3 (McKenna Oldmixon).

Playing as Kurzeja's foil, Oldmixon is cocky and effortlessly intimidating. Her heels ominously clack and echo across the stage as she towers over the others, and she gracefully alternates between a haughty sneer and a disdainful scowl. Her confident veneer shatters when she rushes Kurzeja, arms outstretched and hands clawing, shrieking and threatening to kill her; Oldmixon finally collapses into quiet sobs after changing her vote to "not guilty."

As Juror #4, Erin Doolin is the embodiment of logic and reason. Doolin sits upright with impeccable posture and speaks deliberately and cogently, convincing not only in argument, but also in sincerity. Her thoughtful words and almost mechanical movements crumble into berserk flailing and yelling after Juror #10's (Olivia Wolff) racist tirade.

Portraying Juror #7, Maddy Cole adds a humorous energy to the performance. She delights with her sass and sarcasm, showcased by her exasperated facial expressions and gestures, and she impresses with her unwavering Chicago accent. Similarly, Juror #2 (Casey Corbett) punctuates tense moments with lighthearted comments, giving the serious performance an amusing quality.

Madi Null and McKenna Oldmixon's clever costume design highlights emotional personalities with hues of crimson and sensible characters with neutral tones. The simple yet functional set creates an immersive atmosphere without distracting from the actors.

Capistrano Valley's rendition of "Twelve Angry Jurors" enthralls with sensational drama, captivating characters, and a gripping tale of justice, mercy, and redemption.

Julia Gordon
San Juan Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Capo Valley's ‘Jurors' delivers a sensational verdict

Julia Gordon is a Junior at San Juan Hills High School


The sweltering Chicago sun blazes through the lone window, the guard locks the jury room door, the vote stands eleven to one in favor of "guilty," and no juror is willing to budge.

Capistrano Valley High School's riveting performance of "Twelve Angry Jurors" follows the seemingly clear-cut case of a 19 year-old boy accused of murdering his father and the twelve jurors' heated deliberation over the boy's guilt—eleven of them unconvinced by Juror #8's belief in a reasonable doubt.

Bessie Kurzeja, portraying the unflappable Juror #8, holds her chin high and radiates confidence when voting "not guilty," much to the disbelief of the other jurors. She slowly paces the stage, her arms crossed and brows furrowed in concentration, then turns toward the other jurors and pleads with emphatic gesticulations and an urgent tone for them to change their votes. Her poise and conviction never falter, even when confronted by the vehement Juror #3 (McKenna Oldmixon).

Playing as Kurzeja's foil, Oldmixon is cocky and effortlessly intimidating. Her heels ominously clack and echo across the stage as she towers over the others, and she gracefully alternates between a haughty sneer and a disdainful scowl. Her confident veneer shatters when she rushes Kurzeja, arms outstretched and hands clawing, shrieking and threatening to kill her; Oldmixon finally collapses into quiet sobs after changing her vote to "not guilty."

As Juror #4, Erin Doolin is the embodiment of logic and reason. Doolin sits upright with impeccable posture and speaks deliberately and cogently, convincing not only in argument, but also in sincerity. Her thoughtful words and almost mechanical movements crumble into berserk flailing and yelling after Juror #10's (Olivia Wolff) racist tirade.

Portraying Juror #7, Maddy Cole adds a humorous energy to the performance. She delights with her sass and sarcasm, showcased by her exasperated facial expressions and gestures, and she impresses with her unwavering Chicago accent. Similarly, Juror #2 (Casey Corbett) punctuates tense moments with lighthearted comments, giving the serious performance an amusing quality.

Madi Null and McKenna Oldmixon's clever costume design highlights emotional personalities with hues of crimson and sensible characters with neutral tones. The simple yet functional set creates an immersive atmosphere without distracting from the actors.

Capistrano Valley's rendition of "Twelve Angry Jurors" enthralls with sensational drama, captivating characters, and a gripping tale of justice, mercy, and redemption.

Katelyn Biberacher
Santa Margarita Catholic
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Capistrano Valley determines the truth with the assistance of Twelve Angry Jurors

Set in the 1950s, an eclectic group of jurors come together to determine the fate of a 19-year-old boy who allegedly killed his father. In Reginald Rose's "Twelve Angry Jurors," all but one juror declares the boy guilty, while the lone juror fights for her truth. As conflicting views arise, tempers flare, causing unsettling disputes among characters, but the deliberation ultimately causes a sway in votes for a unanimous verdict of "not guilty".

Main character Juror #8 (Bessie Kurzeja) stands her ground while the jurors pit against her. Kurzeja's passionate tone of voice reflects her character's determination to persuade the individuals. Similarly, Juror #3 (McKenna Oldmixon) struts across the stage squinting her eyes as she questions the beliefs of #8. Her emotional climax is executed marvelously through her pursed lips and shouting. Other jurors such as #10, a foreigner, (Olivia Wolff) and #11, a southern woman, (Sara Neal) maintain their exceptional accents throughout. Another remarkable performance is of Juror #4, (Erin Doolin) whose headstrong disposition is made known through spread fingers and crossed arms.
Occasionally, the courtroom guard (Michelle Meledy) pops into the room and implements her sarcastic humor with a frown. Meanwhile, Juror #7 (Maddy Cole) slouches down in her chair, with her head in her hand to create a comic relief from the intense plot. Other characters such as Jurors #5 (Jakob Longcob), #9 (Michael Lahaderne), and #2 (Casey Corbett) deliver a convincing performance due to their explicit emotions during the deliberation.

A variety of costumes designed by Madi Null and McKenna Oldmixon are enriched with bright red and orange where others contain earthy tones, creating a distinction of each character's persona. Likewise, make-up designer Morgyn Drummond creates the same distinctions, especially between Juror #3's edgy up-do versus Juror #8's innocent longer curls. The set design by Emilie Meledy illustrates a pleasant neutrality with light green coloring and molding on the wall. With attention to detail, Meledy uses opaque glass for the jury room door with "Jury Room" inscribed as a mirror image to further set the scene. Stage Manager Tanner Hurley, and sound designer Madison Rodriguez also work cohesively for a seamless flow of the production with no sound errors.

The collaboration of stunning technical displays and skilled actors allow Capistrano Valley High School to elevate Twelve Angry Jurors to its pinnacle.

Katelyn Biberacher
Santa Margarita Catholic
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Capistrano Valley determines the truth with the assistance of Twelve Angry Jurors

Set in the 1950s, an eclectic group of jurors come together to determine the fate of a 19-year-old boy who allegedly killed his father. In Reginald Rose's "Twelve Angry Jurors," all but one juror declares the boy guilty, while the lone juror fights for her truth. As conflicting views arise, tempers flare, causing unsettling disputes among characters, but the deliberation ultimately causes a sway in votes for a unanimous verdict of "not guilty".

Main character Juror #8 (Bessie Kurzeja) stands her ground while the jurors pit against her. Kurzeja's passionate tone of voice reflects her character's determination to persuade the individuals. Similarly, Juror #3 (McKenna Oldmixon) struts across the stage squinting her eyes as she questions the beliefs of #8. Her emotional climax is executed marvelously through her pursed lips and shouting. Other jurors such as #10, a foreigner, (Olivia Wolff) and #11, a southern woman, (Sara Neal) maintain their exceptional accents throughout. Another remarkable performance is of Juror #4, (Erin Doolin) whose headstrong disposition is made known through spread fingers and crossed arms.
Occasionally, the courtroom guard (Michelle Meledy) pops into the room and implements her sarcastic humor with a frown. Meanwhile, Juror #7 (Maddy Cole) slouches down in her chair, with her head in her hand to create a comic relief from the intense plot. Other characters such as Jurors #5 (Jakob Longcob), #9 (Michael Lahaderne), and #2 (Casey Corbett) deliver a convincing performance due to their explicit emotions during the deliberation.

A variety of costumes designed by Madi Null and McKenna Oldmixon are enriched with bright red and orange where others contain earthy tones, creating a distinction of each character's persona. Likewise, make-up designer Morgyn Drummond creates the same distinctions, especially between Juror #3's edgy up-do versus Juror #8's innocent longer curls. The set design by Emilie Meledy illustrates a pleasant neutrality with light green coloring and molding on the wall. With attention to detail, Meledy uses opaque glass for the jury room door with "Jury Room" inscribed as a mirror image to further set the scene. Stage Manager Tanner Hurley, and sound designer Madison Rodriguez also work cohesively for a seamless flow of the production with no sound errors.

The collaboration of stunning technical displays and skilled actors allow Capistrano Valley High School to elevate Twelve Angry Jurors to its pinnacle.

Alexa Mootchnik
Aliso Niguel
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Capo's fate is in their favor

Alexa Mootchnik is a Senior at Aliso Niguel High School

Capistrano Valley High School's "12 Angry Jurors" tells the story of twelve jurors who must decide the fate of a young man accused of killing his father. Juror #8 starts the show standing alone on her position that the boy is not guilty. Both sides of the jury room use witnesses' stories and act out the murder to come to a conclusion on the case.

Juror #8 portrayed by Bessie Kurzeja holds her head high, walking with confidence to show her definitiveness on her stance that the young boy is not guilty. Contrasting her character, Juror #3 (McKenna Oldmixon) reveals her opposing viewpoint with her roaring, strong voice and unexpected, yet sharp movements. Lunging toward Juror #8 with thundering screams, she shows her intense hatred toward her and that she will not lose this argument without a fight.

Maddy Cole as Juror #7 expresses her impatience in the jury room through her persistent gum chewing and playing with her fingernails. Wanting nothing more than to go to the baseball game with her husband, she gives annoyed glares to those slowing down the jury's ability to come to a consensus.

Juror #11 (Sara Neal) articulates her European accent well with her comical foreign jokes, adding humor to the morbid storytelling.

Juror #9 (Michael Lahaderne) enters the jury room as a quiet, old man. As the situation elevates, his passion increases and he voices his disgruntled opinions in a deep, irate tone.

Costume designers Madi Null and McKenna Oldmixon use the costumes' colors to complement the characters' stances on the boy's fate. Juror #8's pearl white outfit exhibits her belief that the young boy is innocent, while Juror #3 wears a flame red costume, showing her desire for power in the jury room.

Hair, designed by Morgyn Drummond, gives each character a definitive look to match their attributes. Juror #8 wears a low ponytail, revealing her modest self, whereas Juror #3 wears her hair in a high, hair sprayed bun, which displays her strength.

Set designer Stephan Villanueva uses a large window in the jury room, presenting the city of Chicago. The window, which fully opens, allows for the actors to react the heat of the situation, both literally and figuratively.

Capistrano Valley takes you on an intense, stimulating journey behind the scenes of a horrid murder case in their production of "12 Angry Jurors".

Alexa Mootchnik
Aliso Niguel
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Capo's fate is in their favor

Alexa Mootchnik is a Senior at Aliso Niguel High School

Capistrano Valley High School's "12 Angry Jurors" tells the story of twelve jurors who must decide the fate of a young man accused of killing his father. Juror #8 starts the show standing alone on her position that the boy is not guilty. Both sides of the jury room use witnesses' stories and act out the murder to come to a conclusion on the case.

Juror #8 portrayed by Bessie Kurzeja holds her head high, walking with confidence to show her definitiveness on her stance that the young boy is not guilty. Contrasting her character, Juror #3 (McKenna Oldmixon) reveals her opposing viewpoint with her roaring, strong voice and unexpected, yet sharp movements. Lunging toward Juror #8 with thundering screams, she shows her intense hatred toward her and that she will not lose this argument without a fight.

Maddy Cole as Juror #7 expresses her impatience in the jury room through her persistent gum chewing and playing with her fingernails. Wanting nothing more than to go to the baseball game with her husband, she gives annoyed glares to those slowing down the jury's ability to come to a consensus.

Juror #11 (Sara Neal) articulates her European accent well with her comical foreign jokes, adding humor to the morbid storytelling.

Juror #9 (Michael Lahaderne) enters the jury room as a quiet, old man. As the situation elevates, his passion increases and he voices his disgruntled opinions in a deep, irate tone.

Costume designers Madi Null and McKenna Oldmixon use the costumes' colors to complement the characters' stances on the boy's fate. Juror #8's pearl white outfit exhibits her belief that the young boy is innocent, while Juror #3 wears a flame red costume, showing her desire for power in the jury room.

Hair, designed by Morgyn Drummond, gives each character a definitive look to match their attributes. Juror #8 wears a low ponytail, revealing her modest self, whereas Juror #3 wears her hair in a high, hair sprayed bun, which displays her strength.

Set designer Stephan Villanueva uses a large window in the jury room, presenting the city of Chicago. The window, which fully opens, allows for the actors to react the heat of the situation, both literally and figuratively.

Capistrano Valley takes you on an intense, stimulating journey behind the scenes of a horrid murder case in their production of "12 Angry Jurors".