When the Duluth Playhouse scheduled "Doubt," nobody knew the film version of John Patrick Shanley's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama would open on Christmas and the DVD would be out only two months before opening night.
On the one hand, having your acting compared to the Oscar-nominated performances by Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, et al., is a daunting prospect. But on the other hand, actors have to love a play where all four roles were nominated for Tonys and Oscars.
Several years ago I saw "Doubt" in Minneapolis with Tony award-winner Cherry Jones. Despite her mesmerizing performance, I walked out thinking that with "Doubt," the PLAY really is the thing.
I have a background in competitive debate. Consequently, I admire how finely Shanley balances the two sides in his drama. He continued his masterful tightrope-walking when he scripted and directed the film version and added several carefully crafted ambiguous scenes showing Father Flynn and Donald together.
Deciding the "truth" of what happened between Father Flynn and the boy depends on when and why you decide whom to believe.
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When we saw the play, I (male Italian raised Lutheran) presumed the priest's innocence, while my wife (female Irish raised Catholic) assumed he was guilty.
Of course, the play works both ways and whichever side you pick, rest assured that by the end you will have doubts about your judgment. No wonder "Doubt" was named by "Entertainment Weekly" as the No. 4 stage show of the past 25 years.
Seeing the movie should only whet your appetite for enjoying "Doubt." For theater lovers, this is not the last chance to see "Doubt" live in Duluth, it is just the first of many opportunities to see this modern classic.
LAWRANCE BERNABO reviews Playhouse productions for the News Tribune.
If you go
What: "Doubt: A Parable" by John Patrick Shanley
Where: Duluth Playhouse, 506 W. Michigan St.
When: 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday and June 11-13; 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday and June 14.
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Tickets: $19 for adults, $17 for seniors (65 and older), $15 for students, $12 for children (11 and younger) and $16 for groups of 15 and larger
For information: Call (218) 733-7555 or go to www.duluthplayhouse.org
