On April 26th The Wimberley Players opens the second production of their 45th season with “Doubt: A Parable,” directed by Dr. Heather Barfield from Texas State University. 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 U.S. 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 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 Roxanne Strobel, and Father Flynn, played by 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 another 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, and unbreakable. Whereas doubt gives the expanse to breathe, to practice empathy, to philosophize, to bond,” said Barfield.
In addition to veteran designers and crew members, the Players welcomes two new designers, 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.
JUSTIN SCALISE AND REBECCA WOODS
Directed by Dr. Heather Barfield, the play is 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) Performances are April 26 through May 19, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, students $20 with ID. and available online at wimberleyplayers. org or by calling 512-847-0575. The Wimberley Playhouse is located at 450 Old Kyle Road. Appropriate for audiences, 13 and up.
