Doubt: A Parable

By John Patrick Shanley

Directed By Summer Bohnenkamp

Jan. 15 – 31, 2021

Preview Performances: Jan. 13 – 14

Tickets: $19.50 – $99.50

Jaeb Theater, Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Stream Doubt Now!

Now through Feb. 11, stream Doubt: A Parable from home. Doubt is best experienced on a smart TV or connected device (Apple TV, Roku, etc). Use your device’s browser and visit strazhome.uscreen.io.

What It’s About

In this brilliant and powerful drama set in 1964 Sister Aloysius (Roxanne Fay), a Bronx parochial school principal, takes matters into her own hands when she suspects the younger and popular Father Flynn (David M. Jenkins) of improper relations with one of the male students (who also happens to be the first black student accepted into the school).

The original Broadway production starred Cherry Jones, Adriane Lenox (both earning a Tony Award), Brian F. O’Byrne, and Heather Goldenhersh (both nominated). A film adaptation was made in 2008 starring Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Viola Davis (all nominated for Academy Awards). Summer Bohnenkamp has previously directed the Jobsite hits The Flick, Time Stands Still, and Constellations.

David M. Jenkins and Roxanne Fay in Jobsite's Doubt: A Parable. (Photo: Pritchard Photography)
David M. Jenkins and Roxanne Fay in Jobsite's Doubt: A Parable. (Photo: Pritchard Photography)

Why You Should See It

A major award-winning play by one of the country’s most celebrated playwrights featuring regional powerhouses? Do we even need to offer more than that? Director Summer Bohnenkamp has helmed some of the most critically-acclaimed productions in recent Jobsite history, so she not only has good taste but the skills to back it up. We also promise you that this show will have you talking LONG after you leave the theater. Did he do it? Was she right? Do you have doubts about either or both? Very few plays walk a line like this one does. We promise you won’t be able to take your eyes off of it.

Why We Picked It

This was another Jobsite no-brainer – it suits all of our strengths and what audiences love about our contemporary work. The roles of Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn are among the meatiest in contemporary theater. Mrs. Muller may only have one extended scene, but it will simply knock you off your socks. Sister James is the audience’s conscience. The last play we produced that probably packed it all in and generates as much discussion among an audience was likely David Mamet’s Race. This play, when performed right, should leave you with the same doubt referred to in the title. We all have our doubts, doubt is perhaps the most powerful human state. John Patrick Shanley says, “The beginning of change is Doubt. It is that crucial moment when I renew my humanity or become a lie.”

From the playwright

“Doubt requires more courage than conviction does, and more energy; because conviction is a resting place and doubt is infinite — it is a passionate exercise. You may come out of my play uncertain. You may want to be sure. Look down on that feeling. We’ve got to learn to live with a full measure of uncertainty. There is no last word. That’s the silence under the chatter of our time.” – John Patrick Shanley

This play is dedicated to the many orders of Catholic nuns who have devoted their lives to serving others in hospitals, schools and retirement homes. Though they have been much maligned and ridiculed, who among us has been so generous?

a gripping story of suspicion cast on a priest’s behavior that is less about scandal than about fascinatingly nuanced questions of moral certainty. – Variety
Blunt yet subtle, manipulative but full of empathy for all sides, the play is set in 1964 but could not be more timely ... passionate, exquisite, important and engrossing. – NY Newsday
Here, for the first time in a long time, is a play that is about something.​ – Chicago Tribune
An eloquent and provocative investigation of truth and consequences. A gripping mystery, tightly written. – Time Out New York
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Cast & Crew

  • Summer Bohnenkamp – Director
  • Teah Banks – Stage Manager

Cast

  • Emily Belvo – Sister James
  • Roxanne Fay – Sister Aloysius
  • David M. Jenkins – Father Flynn
  • Andresia Moseley – Mrs. Muller

Crew

  • David M. Jenkins – Sound Designer
  • Chloe Mastro – Scenic Painter
  • Rebekah Eugenia Lazaridis – Scenic Designer
  • Tea Roberts – Scenic Painter
  • Brian Smallheer – Lighting Designer
  • Katrina Stevenson – Costume Designer

Patron Reviews

2 Responses

  1. I just saw Doubt. I am a 30 year Straz volunteer. I have seen many theater productions in the US and Europe. The Jobsite production of Doubt was one of the most wonderful, meaningful theater experiences Thanks to you all for the magic. Les Berty.

  2. I was looking forward to this play before covid hit and ruined everything for everyone. I am so happy you decided to open the new season with it! I went the first night by myself and I applaud your covid protocols. Honestly, I would wear a full hazmat suit if I had to just to see live theatre again! This show was amazing. I have had season tickets for a couple years so I am familiar with most of the actors and I think this is one of the best casting decisions I have seen. Everyone did so well! I had chills at the end!

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