Clockwise from bottom left, Gregory North, Adam J. Smith, Bradford Tatum, Robert Picardo, Jason George are five of the 12 jurors in “Twelve Angry Men.” (photo by Jim Cox)

In the Pasadena Playhouse’s production of “Twelve Angry Men”, Artistic Director Sheldon Epps has put a twist on Reginald Rose’s 1955 stage play. He has cast six white actors and six black actors to deliberate the case of a 16-year-old boy accused of killing his father.

Each member of the cast brings their A-game to this show. The performances are believable and heart-felt.  Jason George, as juror eight, commands the stage and draws in the other jurors to his thought process. Bradford Tatum as juror ten delivers a racially tinged monologue that is disturbing and so authentic, you wonder how the other actors offered him congratulations at the final curtain.

I especially enjoyed the performances of Clinton Derricks Carroll as juror eleven, and Adolphus Ward, who plays juror nine, the elderly gentleman whose wise insights help move the deliberations forward.

Yet all of the performances were stellar by this cast, which includes Robert Picardo, Scott Lowell, Gregory North, Barry Pearl, Adam J. Smith, Jacques C. Smith, Ellis E. Williams and Jeff Williams. The show is playing through December 1, Tuesdays – Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 7:00 p.m.

For tickets visit www.pasadenaplayhouse.org or call (626)356-7529. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molina Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101.