Doubt

Doubt

Studio Theatre

Washington DC

September 29, 2019

Photo courtesy of Studio Theatrer

When John Patrick Shanley wrote Doubt, he was addressing what he felt was a situation bubbling up in America’s mindset.  The need to take a side without all the facts creates a sense of doubt.  His skillful writing for this timely play won him the Pulitzer Prize in 2005.  This underlying theme is more relevant today than when first presented, and the Studio Theatre production is giving audiences in Washington DC the opportunity to experience it with a new perspective.

Christian Conn & Sarah Marshall
Photo courtesy of Studio Theatre

It is 1964 in the Bronx, New York.  When the principal of St. Nicholas School, Sister Aloysius (played by Sarah Marshall), suspects Father Flynn (played by Christian Conn) of wrongdoing, she asks the novice, Sister James (played by Amelia Pedlow), to keep a sharp eye for anything out of the ordinary.  Sister James observes some peculiar behavior by one of the boys in her class, and reports back to Sister Aloysius.  She confronts Father Flynn directly, even though it is highly inappropriate.  Once the floodgates are open, there is no going back.

Sarah Marshall & Tiffany M. Thompson
Photo courtesy of Studio Theatre

Sarah Marshall is strong and rigid as Sister Aloysius.  The confrontation scenes between her and Christian Conn’s Father Flynn are fiery and full of conviction.  They are an even match, which is required in these two characters if this story is going have impact.  Amelia Pedlow portrays Sister James with the right balance of innocence and eagerness to please.  She finds herself caught in the middle of something she does not fully understand, and grows significantly from the experience.  Tiffany M. Thompson plays Mrs. Muller.  She and Sarah Marshall deliver excellent performances in the most striking scene in the play.    

Doubt has been extended at Studio Theatre in Washington DC through October 13.  This play is John Patrick Shanley at his best.

Domenick Danza