In tune with the film, the jurors, who range from young to elderly men, are set in a room with only a coat rack and a water cooler. They stay in the room for hours trying to solve the murder case.

Strong passion was evident in the red-faced actors as they emotionally portrayed the roles of the conflicted jurors.

The tension between the actors was almost tangible.

“It forces the audience to think,” said Bob Robinson, the play’s director.

The thrust theatre’s horseshoe-shaped venue only is able to hold 270 seats, which gives the audience an intimate experience.

It is such a close-knit atmosphere that the actors did not need microphones as they performed and front row audience members were basically on stage and were a part of the act.

Gary Mitchell, chair member of the marketing committee of Riverwalk Theatre and an actor in the play, said the ambience of the venue is key to the play’s effect.

Usually, Mitchell sticks to producing plays, but when Riverwalk decided to bring the compelling drama to Lansing, he said he couldn’t resist being a part of it.

Mitchell, who played Juror 12, said what he likes most about the production is that it’s not only entertainment, but serves as a civics lesson to the audience about how the judicial system operates.

“Whatever flaws we have in this country, our judicial system is not one of them,” he said. “It’s important for young people to see how our judicial system works. It’s designed to protect the accused.”

The engrossing drama explores prejudice, racism, father-son relationships, various social and economic levels and the pressures of standing alone against the opinion of all others.