12 Incompetent Jurors opens Thursday

[Jane Zussman]

It might seem like ordinary jury duty, but it’s actually courtroom chaos! Riverwalk Theatre’s Black Box is about to be taken over by hilarity as 12 Incompetent Jurors opens this Thursday.

The cast and crew of Ian McWethy’s riotous comedy 12 Incompetent Jurors are hard at work preparing to deliver nonstop laughs in this clever parody of the classic drama 12 Angry Men. This fast-paced production runs January 15–18 and January 22–25, 2026 in the Black Box at Riverwalk Theatre, directed by: Steve Lee

Synopsis:
In this hilarious send-up of 12 Angry Men, an open-and-shut court case is anything but simple. The jury’s verdict is derailed by Juror #8, a wannabe lawyer convinced the defendant is innocent. Can Juror #8 sway the rest of the jury — or will they side with Juror #3, seemingly the only sane person left in the room? Packed with absurdity, sharp wit, and escalating chaos, 12 Incompetent Jurors keeps audiences laughing as deliberations spiral delightfully out of control.

Director Steve Lee, a 2017 LCC Theatre graduate, makes his Riverwalk directing debut with this production. Lee has previously directed for the Renegade Theatre Festival, Lansing Community College, and Ixion Theatre and has performed locally with LCC, Riverwalk Theatre, Peppermint Creek Theatre, and the Michigan Shakespeare Festival Interstate Tour. 

“I wanted to direct this show because it is very funny and gives great opportunities for both new and experienced actors to shine,” Lee says. Riverwalk’s Black Box provides the perfect setting for this inventive staging. Unlike traditional productions, this version uses live actors for scenes that are typically pre-recorded. “Some audience members will feel like they’re part of the deliberations,” Lee explains. “It creates an immersive, intimate experience that really heightens the comedy.”

The ensemble cast brings the courtroom to life with bold characters and impeccable comedic timing. Sam Barrix shines as the straight-man Juror #3, while Amber Swisher steps up as his energetic foil. Holly Kay-Cannon, Beth Hall, and Vahlarée Kakela infuse the ensemble with energy and precision while the rest of the cast embraces the fast-paced farce wholeheartedly. “It’s hard to single out actors in our cast,” Lee adds. “Which is a great problem to have as a director.”

The creative team also includes Quinn Kelly, making his first appearance behind the directing table, and Lauren Spadafora, whose behind-the-scenes support has been invaluable.

This side-splitting satire is one jury duty you won’t want to get out of — 12 Incompetent Jurors promises big laughs, bold performances, and a uniquely immersive experience at Riverwalk Theatre.

Cast:
FOREMAN – Holly Kay-Cannon
TWO – Aaron Wittbrodt
THREE – Samuel Barrix
FOUR – Rose Porter
FIVE – Brendan Sutherland
SIX – Kallie Marrison
SEVEN – Beth Hall
EIGHT – Amber Swisher
NINE – Ian Whipp
TEN – James Houska
ELEVEN – Vahlarée Kakela
TWELVE – Michael Stokes
PLEATS – Colette Periard
BRAD – Charles Hoogstraten
SHELLY – Debbie Lundeen

Show Dates & Times:
Thursdays – 7:00 PM
Fridays & Saturdays – 8:00 PM
Sundays – 2:00 PM
Tickets:
$20 Adult
$15 Senior/Student/Military
$10 Child (under 12)

RWT Black Box is general seating, and is a smaller venue which can sell out. Reservations assure admission but not a specific seat. Arrive early for best choice. 

RESERVATIONS:

online, http://www.riverwalktheatre.com, 

OR

by emailing R...@RiverwalkTheatre.com

OR

by calling (517) 482-5700

OR

In-person advance ticket sales: • Wednesdays: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

OR

in person at the Riverwalk Theatre Box Office before the show while they last.

Jane Zussman

G.L.U.T. List

(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)

cell 517-930-0932

JSZu...@gmail.com

http://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net 

To review past emails as they were sent, click “About the G.L.U.T.” and choose “email list” from the drop-down menu — also check out the all-theatres calendar.

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