BROADWAY SNAP-SHOT
by Russell Bouthiller

Dateline: April 14, 2005

DOUBT

I have little doubt that this year's Pulitzer-winner DOUBT is one of the best plays to hit Broadway in a long, long time. Written by John Patrick Shanley and directed by Doug Hughes, DOUBT stars the Tony-winning Cherry Jones opposite the Tony-winning Brian O'Byrne in a powerhouse drama that touches upon one of the most sensitive issues of our day.

Subtitled, "A Parable," Shanley's new play rips a page from the newspapers and throws it on stage with all the complex variables intact. Set in 1964 at a Bronx Catholic school for boys, Principal Sister Aloysius (Jones) has a troubling suspicion about one of the teachers, Father Flynn (O'Byrne). This is brought on by a sermon he gives on the subject of doubt in which he asks, "What do you do when you're not sure?"

Based on the flimsiest of hunches, Sister Aloysius believes Father Flynn has been cultivating an untoward relationship with one of his students. At first, the stern nun doesn't know which particular student, so she summons another teacher, the kindhearted Sister James (Heather Goldenhersh), and proceeds to go on a fishing expedition.

Employing a clever tactic, Sister Aloysius circuitously converges on the subject by tossing off obfuscating issues. She reprimands Sister James for being too lenient with her students and enlightens her on the value of a strict, "Old School" approach. Through Sister James's gentle self-defense and compliant admissions of laxity, Sister Aloysius finds her moment to hone in on the real issue, Father Flynn. And, when she learns that the priest has shown close attention to one particular boy—the first Black child to attend St. Nicholas—she enlists her subordinate to be her eyes and ears.

Gathering concrete evidence proves more difficult than expected. Not only does Sister Aloysius have a protective, all-male hierarchy to contend with, her informant, Sister James, believes Father Flynn to be innocent of any wrongdoing. And, when she brings in the boy's mother, Mrs. Muller (Adriane Lenox), she's surprised to discover an unwilling ally in her quest.

Adriane Lenox is superb as a mother torn between protecting her son from the Father at school and an abusive father at home. Like a tea kettle on the burner, her emotions slowly work up to a feverish boil. Heather Goldenhersh is equally fine as the young nun with a deferential nature planted in a granite foundation.

Brian O'Byrne, a native of Ireland, rolls off a Bronx twang as if he were born and bred on Fordham Road. An amusing moment comes when Father Flynn mimics a brogue, which shows how smoothly the actor captures the New York accent. O'Byrne—whose performance as a child killer earned him last year's Tony—creates another complicated character of award-winning quality.

As Sister Aloysius, Cherry Jones is mesmerizing as that terror nun those of us from Parochial School know all too well: the severe disciplinarian uncorrupted by heart. One might think Jones spent a decade in a convent as preparation for the role. Once again, she proves an invaluable asset to the Broadway community.

Of course, the highest praise for this intense and riveting theatrical experience must go to author John Patrick Shanley. His taut, mystifying play presents an unpredictable plot driven by characters we appreciate and question at the same time. Doug Hughes' direction corrals these rich resources with excellent skill and style. Scenic designs by John Lee Beatty capture a vital austerity. DOUBT, a play that will keep you talking, now at the Walter Kerr Theatre.