Doubt
by Wimberley Players
Apr. 26 - May. 19
Fridays-Sundays
Doubt: A Parable is a powerful and intimate drama in which a Bronx Catholic School teacher suspects a recently appointed school principal of inappropriate behavior with a shy male student. Tension between the two primary characters increases as Sister Aloysius seeks to protect and defend the student without obtaining substantial proof of any suspicious improper relation.
Written by John Patrick Shanley, (Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, Moonstruck), his Pulitzer-Prize-winning drama.
Directed by Dr. Heather Barfield.
On April 26th The Wimberley Players opens its second production of their 45th season with Doubt: A Parable, directed by new-to-the-Players Dr. Heather Barfield from Texas State. Running weekends through May 19th, this production promises a thought-provoking exploration of morality, certainty, and the complexity of human nature.
Based on the 2005 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play by John Patrick Shanley, Doubt: A Parable is a gripping narrative that delves into the charged atmosphere of a fictional 1960’s Catholic school. The author Shanley, a former US Marine, is best known for his original screenplay for the 1987 movie Moonstruck starring Cher and Nicolas Cage, for which he won an Academy Award. In 2005 he directed and adapted his original play for the feature film Doubt starring legendary actors Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Viola Davis, and earned several Academy nominations and awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay.
The setting is during the time of Vatican II when changes were sweeping the church and young priests and nuns were defying their superiors to march for civil rights. The story revolves around head mistress Sister Aloysius, played by veteran Player Roxanne Strobel, and Father Flynn, played by accomplished Shakespearean actor Justin Scalise from Austin as the beloved, progressive parish priest. Sr. Aloysius, a member of the old guard, strict and uncompromising, has become convinced that Fr. Flynn is guilty of misconduct with a young student who is being bullied, and without proof proceeds to torment the young Father with accusations and innuendo. Veteran Player Rebecca Woods plays Sister James, a young, well-meaning nun, and Mrs. Muller, the bullied student’s mother, is played by San Antonio actor Juvauna Harris.
“Shanley dares us to meditate on the structures of feeling for "doubt." What does doubt look like? What does it feel like? How does "doubt" sound in our dreams and music? His premise is that when we sit in the tense, abyssal, space of doubt we interconnect beyond prescribed behaviors. Conviction – the antithesis of doubt – is hard, solid, unbreakable whereas doubt gives the expanse to breathe, to practice empathy, to philosophize, to bond. Director, Dr. Heather Barfield
In addition to our talented veteran designers and crew members, the Players is pleased to welcome two new Designers in Patrick Anthony as the Scenic and Lighting Designer and Vikki Schwarz as the Music Designer, who will be adding her own original compositions to the production.
“It is my hope as the composer and arranger that audiences will not only encounter the uncertainty in this play and be inspired to deeply examine their own experiences of doubt, but that they will also hear music that unsettles, resettles, and leaves space for contemplative reflection.” Music Designer, Vikki Schwarz
Directed by Dr. Heather Barfield. Produced by David Bisett.
DOUBT, A PARABLE is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. (www.dramatists.com)
About The Wimberley Players:
Established in 1979, The Wimberley Players is a non-profit community theatre dedicated to enriching the cultural life of Wimberley, Texas, and its surrounding communities. Through engaging performances, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives, The Wimberley Players strives to foster a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.
Doubt
by John Patrick Shanley
Wimberley Players
April 26 - May 19, 2024
April 26 – May 19, 2024
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Reserved Seating $25; Students $20 with ID. (Ticket prices include all fees.)
Tickets are available online at www.wimberleyplayers.org or by calling 512-847-0575.
The Wimberley Playhouse is located at 450 Old Kyle Road, Wimberley, Texas, 78676.
Appropriate for all audiences, ages 13+
