REVIEW: Dramatic License Productions/Vanity Theatre Present Powerful Version Of DOUBT, A PARABLE

Doubt, A Parable by John Patrick Shanley is powerful entertainment that plucks its tale from the headlines, but sets the action in 1964. Anyone who's been following issues surrounding The catholic Church and its problems with pedophile priests will find this story riveting. Dramatic License Productions (in association with Vanity Theatre) makes a strong initial foray with this riveting presentation, driven by four terrific performances.

Shanley's play follows Sister Aloysius as she attempts to rid her parish of a priest she suspects of improper conduct with one of their young charges. Her efforts are hindered by the strict chain of command that the order follows, which prevents her from being able to bring her case to the proper church authorities. She enlists the aid of the naïve and innocent Sister James to help her uncover evidence of any impropriety. When the young nun reports one of her students returning from a one on one conference with Father Flynn distraught and smelling of alcohol, Sister Aloysius finds herself forced to take action. She then concocts a clever deceit that may or may not prove Flynn guilty. However, the outcome only ends up making Sister Aloysius doubt her own beliefs.

As the headstrong and stern Sister Aloysius, Kim Furlow is a commanding presence. Her observations and accusations might seem foolish or wrong-headed at first, but as the story unfolds it becomes more and more apparent that there's more to Father Flynn than meets the eye. Furlow anchors the show with her portrayal.

Jason Cannon also impresses as Father Flynn, and it's his initial sermon on the subject of doubt that stirs something within Sister Aloysius. Cannon wisely plays Flynn with a sincerity that makes it difficult to understand, and sometimes believe, the allegations made against him. He's at his best during his sermons, but his face-off with Sister Aloysius is truly compelling stuff.

Sarah Cannon delivers a nicely modulated performance as Sister James, a young and enthusiastic teacher who has to rein in her effusive nature in order to appease Sister Aloysius. Her personality darkens considerably when she begins to lose the joy she once felt at being an instructor.

Leah Stewart makes the most of her small role as Mrs. Muller, the mother of a young black boy, Donald, who's taken under Father Flynn's wing. Her concern is simply to get her son through to the end of the semester so that he can enter a decent high school. She knows her son has homosexual tendencies, but is unwilling to address the matter when she meets up with Sister Aloysius. Taken in the context of 1964, her behavior makes perfect sense, even if it is frustrating to watch.

Jason Cannon does excellent work directing this production. The pace is brisk, and the actors appear completely focused in their roles. Bryan Schulte contributes a simple set that effectively conjures up the parish location, and Kimberly Klearman provides a solid lighting scheme. Sheila Lenkman's costumes seem appropriate and authentic.

Dramatic License productions engaging and engrossing presentation Doubt, A Parable continues through August 15, 2009 at the Kranzberg Arts Center.

Like all good theatre, Doubt, A Parable, provokes a discussion and provides no easy answers to the questions it raises.

DOUBT, A PARABLE:
WHEN: July 30 ($10 preview) - Aug. 15. Thurs. - Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. **Two performances Sat., Aug. 15, 4 & 8 p.m.

WHERE: Kranzberg Arts Center Black Box Theatre in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Building in Grand Center, 501 N. Grand

TICKETS: BrownPaperTickets.com
$20/Adults, $15 students/seniors (60+).
Credit card purchases at BrownPaperTickets.com
Cash or check only at the door. Reservations are strongly recommended.

For more information, or to make reservations, please call 636.220.7012.

To post a comment, you must register and login.