John Patrick Shanley’s play (or in his words parable) DOUBT opened at The Dio last night, and it is 100 minutes of intermissionless acting clinic put on by four outstanding performers, well-directed, and well-paced.
Perhaps you’ve seen it before – or perhaps you’ve seen the movie – or perhaps you’ve never seen it. In any case, grab tickets now for this excellent production.
Sister Aloysius (a grand Amy Schumacher) hears a report from one of her young teachers, Sister James (delightful Ally Szymanski), that Father Flynn (charismtic Bret Beaudry) has taken a special interest in the parochial school’s sole 12-year old black boy. Her mind imediately “goes there” and the rest of the evening is an exploration of all angles of exploitation, guilt, assumption, rumor, gossip, conviction, and, well, doubt. When Sister Aloysius crosses the line and calls in the child’s mother Mrs. Muller (explosive Jacqui Blue) to prove her suspicions are true, another layer gets heaped onto the entire affair.
Who is right? Who is wrong? In the changing world of the early 60’s, are pre-existing notions of righteousness and inflexibility even valid anymore? Those and many other themes emerge over the course of the production, and you’ll have your own thoughts at the conclusion. In fact, most of the audience stayed and talked about their ideas after the show, which is the first time in a long time I’ve seen that happen at a local theater.
Steve DeBruyne directs with an assuredness that allows time to reflect in between scenes, and gives his cast the freedom to explore these roles in a way that makes each of them, initially a stereotype, have a very real human experience, no matter what angle they come at the problem.
So, did he do it? It doesn’t matter – and you will have your own thoughts – but the ability to revisit this explosive play is something we’ve been waiting for in the local theater world.
Schumacher in particular makes the role her own as Aloysius, and she commands every scene that she is in. There isn’t a weak link in this production, there can’t be. It is difficult to perform this type of material and as an actor not let your own thoughts creep into the performance — but that is exactly what doesn’t happen here. Each role is expertly played and gives away nothing. That is for you to decide. Or have your doubts about.
Everything looks beautiful, from staging to lights to props and costumes and the delicious pre-show meal — but this is an evening of drama (and some laughs) that will leave you thinking.
Highest Recommendation.
Doubt continue’s at The Dio in Pinckney through July 21st. Tickets at diotheatre.com or by calling 517-672-6009 — photo courtesy The Dio Dining and Entertainment.
Mostly Musical Theatre 
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