DOUBT Review

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 3/13/05 at 8:19pm

DOUBT Review

Just like Jesus Christ - John Patrick Shanley’s new play, “Doubt,” unfortunately died much too soon, but has miraculously risen again in all of its splendid glory! This extraordinary play first opened off Broadway around Thanksgiving and gave theatre enthusiasts something to be thankful for; now it is the Easter season and we rejoice in its second coming. This time on Broadway, the emotionally charged, ninety minute powerhouse drama has not succumbed to the winter blues, but instead springs eternal with more layering and intelligence than before by everyone involved – if that’s possible!

Without giving away too much about this hauntingly complex four person masterpiece, the basic outline is this: A resolute nun, portrayed by the incomparable Cherry Jones with more inner potency than a determined mule, is faced with an imposable decision. Should the nun raise suspicions about the parish’s priest, even when doubt is the only truth she knows? After all it is the Bronx and the year only 1964; a time period that makes this determined to be a classic piece all the more perplexing.

Jones as Sister Aloysius gives one of the most mesmerizing performances on the Walter Kerr or any Broadway stage since, well since Phylicia Rashad graced it a mere few months ago in the equally gripping, but viably flawed “Gem of the Ocean.” That stage must be on fire! It certainly is as Jones goes head to head with each of her remarkable co-stars. Brian F. O’Byrne as the accused father proves just why he is so good at being so bad, or is the man of the cloth guiltless after all? It is because of O’Byrne and Jones solid acting chops that one may never know the answer to that question. How these two are able to spin the story to suit an audience is an art all its own. The task seems quite plausible with help from two of the most enthralling supporting talents on today’s stage. Heather Goldenhersh brings a young innocence and unbelievable charisma to the role of Sister Aloysius that any fluently articulated performer may overplay. And no overplaying of any sorts does Adriane Lenox channel. Her turn as the unwavering Mrs. Muller will leave audiences so stunned that a rupture of applause will engulf the aptly suited theatre upon the characters emotional exit.

Director Doug Hughes proves why his eye for detail is certainly unmatched. In the hands of a lesser conductor, “Doubt” may have not been the raving success it is. It doesn’t hurt that his ensemble of technical designers are full of unwavering talent. John Lee Beatty has created a set so lifelike in quality, that the air even permeates Catholicism. Beatty is one of the hardest worked and underappreciated scenic designers for the stage and with “Doubt” exemplifies how a set can be universal and work in almost any space. Catherine Zuber makes the rather luminous Jones look older and more unpleasant than ever. That is a compliment! Her authentic costumes, while quite simple, are precisely time specific and explicitly unambiguous. While Pat Collins lighting design adds to the mystic feeling, David Van Tieghem’s music makes one feel as if they were attending Sunday morning church service.

A more religiously rewarding play cannot be found on any continent this season. Shanley has arrived not only on the great white way, but with “Doubt” has been added to a list of the greats! If there was ever a more certainty, I would have my doubts!

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 12:39am

Nobody agrees or agrees to disagree?

My crticing ego is wounded - ah, i have no doubt it will recover!

[thirdrowcenter]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 1:07am

Didn't you think the "Bronx" accents were completely overdone, especially Ms. Goldenhersch.

[QueenMuppet]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 7:46am

WOW, great review. I have my tickets for next week and cannot wait to see it.
A friend of mine saw it on Saturday and was absolutely raving about it, thinking it was one of the strongest plays he's 'ever' seen.
It seems to be a very good season for plays this year.

QM

[williamsburg]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 7:51am

A very good play -- but the weakest link is definitely Goldenhersh who plays the character (and talks) like she's mentally retarded. I saw her in another play at MTC a couple of years ago and she spoke the same way, except not with the added bad Bronx accent.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 8:38am

Fabulous review. I love this play, and predict that it will take home the Tony.

[magruder]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 9:06am

Williamsburg, why do you only appear on this board to assault Heather Goldenhersh? The vast majority of your posts seem to be about Doubt, and about her.

[Matt_G]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 9:56am

I saw the show's first preview and while I'm a huge fan of Cherry Jones, I'm also a big fan of Ms. Goldenhersh and was a bit more excited to see her than anyone else. I thought she was fantastic in that role and her accent didn't bother me at all. In fact, I rather liked it.

The show doesn't have any "weak links" and will definately be taking Tony home in more than one catagory.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 9:59am

I'm predicting it to win Best Play and for the sublime Cherry Jones to take home Best Actress.

[Matt_G]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 10:00am

I thought that too until I saw Kathleen Turner the other night. It's gonna be one hell of a race in that category this year, MEF.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 10:06am

It absolutely will be, Matt. Cherry, Kathleen, Jessica Lange, Natasha Richardson, Phylicia Rashad, Mary-Louise Parker, Laura Linney, etc. etc.

I can't wait to see "Virginia Woolf." I know my girl Kathleen is just gonna blow me away. BTW, were you able to get the student tickets? My niece was going to try, but didn't.

[Matt_G]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 10:09am

I was able to get rush, yes. They were in the third row of the balcony. I noticed during Act 1 that there were two empty seats in the 2nd row of the orch, so during the first intermission I moved down and sat 2nd row center for Acts 2 & 3. What was amazing was that this show uses no microphones (THANK GOD) and I could hear them just as well in the balcony as I could in the 2nd row. It's always nice to see actors who know how to project onstage.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 10:17am

Wow, that sounds amazing. I can't wait to see it.

Can you give me an approximate running time, please?

[Matt_G]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 10:18am

It ran for three hours and five minutes.

[Avigdor]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 10:20am

i saw it in both venues and I honestly felt it worked better in the smaller. still a great piece though.

[williamsburg]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 10:29am

Re: M's questions. I've commented on several plays on and off Broadway, like Brooklyn Boy which I wasn't thrilled with (though thought it was well-cast), but not many musicals (though did see Little Women and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels). I'm also in Los Angeles a lot and don't often check this board. I saw Doubt three times (twice for free) at MTC and saw the understudy too -- and likely just feel that I can talk about it because of that ... and I thought the play was so much better with the understudy. Goldenhersch is just not very good, especially when compared to Cherry and the rest of the cast ... and can't understand why her choices (and speech) has not been adjusted by the director, the production team or the actress herself. Perhaps she will make those discoveries herself during the preview period.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 10:30am

I've yet to see it at the Walter Kerr, but I've always felt that it was one of the most intimate houses on Broadway.

Thanks for the running time, Matt.

[magruder]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 11:01am

Williamburg, considering you haven't posted that much, the number of Goldenhersh-related posts you've made is surprising

My own feeling is that she is an eccentric, unusual presence, and I think she is very good throughout the performance, and particularly in the courtyard scene with Father Flynn, and also when she briefly stands up to Sister Aloysius.

There are so many young actresses that make no impression whatsoever. You could put any of them in that role, and they'd just fade into the brickwork. But I think Goldenhersh's fragility and strangeness works for her here. She's all frayed nerves and insecurity. You feel like she's going to snap under the pressure of the situation. What you characterize as her flaws as a performer were some of the things that I think worked best for her.

It makes me wonder what some people would think these days of performers like Barbara Harris or Sandy Dennis...actresses often assailed for strange mannerisms, tics and quirks. There's something to be said for individuality and making an impression.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 4/1/05 at 12:08am

Bump!

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 4/1/05 at 12:08am

Bump!

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 4/1/05 at 1:21am

I think Heather is PERFECT in Doubt. Did you EVER for one second think she must be doing EXACTLY what Doug Hughes and John Patrick Shanley want, Williamsburg?

Because she IS.

[DefyingEDCT]

Posted: 10/26/05 at 1:01am

I dont know who it was but I was watching the video preview, and who ever says the line "Or frosty the snowman" I assume its Ms. Goldenhersch, Before I read this thread, I thought she was playing someone with a mental disease, but It seems shes not. Which means it sure sounds like she does.

[C is for Company]

Posted: 10/26/05 at 1:07am

Yeah I must agree as well, quite misleading there Shes ok but certainly when compared with the BREATHTAKING cherry jones there on stage with her, you can tell who isnt the strongest. Still amazing show with wonderful cast of really nice people

[OneEros69]

Posted: 10/26/05 at 2:02am

Dear LaCageAuxFollesFan2:

A beautifully written review, much less critical then mine on The Odd Couple, but you can't even compare the plays. You are right on about this play, I couldn't agree with you more. "Doubt" is by far the best piece of theatre on Broadway. I too believe the four actors are incredible and unmatched right now. I did think the mother of the boy hit her notes a bit too quickly at the beginning of her scene, but she makes up for it beautifully by the end. Truly a remarkable ninty minutes.

This play is what Theatre is all about!

Updated On: 10/26/05 at 02:02 AM

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 10/26/05 at 2:14am

Excellently written review. I've just finished watching the rerun of L&O:SVU guest-starring Brian F. O'Byrne a few minutes ago, and I'm kicking myself for passing up Doubt when I had the chance.