01/07/2006: "Classic Courtroom Drama SJ Community Theatre"

Charis Pruitt presides over a tense courtroom as the judge in Ayn Rand's Night of January 16th – which plays through January 28 at San Juan Community Theatre. The defiant defendant, played by Natalie King, stands accused of the murder of her former employer and lover. Maureen See plays the defense attorney, going toe-to-toe with prosecutor Warren Baehr.

The challenge for the audience – some of whom will be seated as members of the jury – will be to consider whether the victim was in fact murdered, and whether the right person is being prosecuted. A woman stands trial, accused of murdering her employer and lover. Her fate is quite literally in the audience members' hands, as the verdict may differ from performance to performance.

Bailiff Peter Dawson keeps a watchful eye, and court clerk Judy McManus studiously records the testimony as various witnesses are called: Carl Wills, Jerad Chambers, Jonathan Waters II, Scott George, Pam Gillette, Juliet Flint, Ed Strum, Melody Rice, Paul Arroyo and Andy Leidtke. Some of the evidence seems straightforward, yet some testimony is contradictory, which sheds light on the uncomfortable facts that juries frequently do not know enough information, and we can't necessarily trust people's testimonies to find the truth. Judgments often are made on sympathies, which is not the same as justice.

A cautionary note: while the courtroom etiquette for language is modest, the story refers to adult situations, and may not be appropriate for young children.

This production is the directorial debut for Dorian Oliver. The set was designed by Lyne McPherson, constructed by Tom Steers and painted by McPherson. Light design is by John Soderberg and operated by Eric Tubbs. Costumes are coordinated by Trudy Loucks, assisted by Anita Welch and Phyllis Hartner. Jacque Anthony is stage manager, assisted by Jessica Griss.

This production is sponsored by Best Western Friday Harbor Suites. The show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. January 13, 14, 26, 27 and 28, with ticket prices at $14 for Adults and $7 for Student Reserved, with $5 Student RUSH available one hour before each performance. At the 5:00 p.m. matinee January 15, tickets are $12 and $6 in advance, with $5 Student RUSH available one hour before curtain. A private donor has made provision for free tickets to anyone needing financial assistance to attend a Theatre event. The SJCT Box Office is open Tuesday-Friday, 11-4, Saturdays 11-2, and one hour before any performance. Call 360-378-3210, or go to www.SanJuanCommunityTheatre.org.