Though it is illegal for pranksters to shout about non-existent fires in a theatre, shrieking after an encounter with an under-seat gum wad is permissible. Shout about what's on stage instead with today's deal: you get two tickets to a performance of Twelve Angry Men, running Sept. 11 through Oct. 10 at the Vertigo Mystery Theatre in the Calgary Tower downtown. Choose between the following two options:

• $38 for two tickets to a Tuesday–Thursday 7:30 p.m. performance (a $76 value)
• $48 for two tickets to a Friday–Saturday 7:30 p.m. showing or a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee (up to a $96 value)

Twelve Angry Men hits the playhouse stage this fall to depict the trial of an underprivileged youth accused of murdering his father. A jury of 12 decides the fate of this young boy, who, if convicted will be sentenced to the electric chair. With the consequences of a hung jury threatening a mistrial, the deliberation is fuelled by one juror who questions the hasty conclusions of his peers. A stunning examination of the personal biases that enter into the deliberation room, including one juror's own troubled relationship with his son, Twelve Angry Men leaves audiences chewing their nails in anticipation as the fate of a young boy and the efficacy of the justice system stand in the balance.

The Vertigo Mystery Theatre's 2010/2011 season holds a bevy of head-scratchers, nail-biters, and cat-huggers, all kick-started with Reginald Rose's famed courtroom drama. Replace your stack of bedside mystery novels with an evening out for two, and don your most alluring cape and alter ego to keep the talented acting going even after the show. Call ahead for availability.

Reviews

Vertigo Mystery Theatre's past productions have received some excellent press, including features in the Sun and Fast Forward Weekly:

• Vertigo’s Evelyn Strange is a true crowd pleaser and a pretty clever whodunnit as well. – Louis B. Hobson, Sun
• Every character that crosses the stage is distinct and well-developed. – Kathleen Renne, Fast Forward Weekly