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Victorian Players Delicate ‘Doubt’ is deftly handled
By ERIC McCREA
YOUNGSTOWN
Often, suspicion can get the best of us.
The Victorian Players explore this issue with their latest production “Doubt: A Parable.”
Written by John Patrick Shanley, this Pulitzer and Tony winning play is meant to leave the audience with a lot to discuss.
St. Nicholas School has recently accepted a new student, and Sister Aloysius (Denise Sculli), who is the principal, is concerned about the parish priest’s relationship with the boy.
Sister James, played by Joanna Andrei, is a young teacher, sweetly naive and enthusiastic. When she’s asked by Sister Aloysius to watch out for unusual behavior between the two, a severe chain of events unfolds.
Father Flynn, played by John Cox, becomes the focus of the sisters’ scrutiny, but no one seems to have any satisfying answers. When Sister Aloysius meets with the student’s mother, played by Shba Cochrane, the waters only become murkier.
Director Christopher Fidram has repeatedly proven that he can tackle the toughest scripts and consistently deliver an incredible product.
His reputation is not tarnished in the slightest by this impeccable cast.
Andrei has the least dramatic role to fill. Of the four, she’s the most lighthearted and lovable. While her sweet and gentle nature is something that sister Aloysius wishes to adjust, it’s that same quality that leaves her above reproach. Andrei embraces detail gracefully, making her a joy to watch.
Cochrane, as Mrs. Muller, is shocking and blunt. Even knowing what to expect from her character, her performance is still especially stirring, leaving a perturbed feeling lingering in the air long after she’s gone. She embodies a mother, constantly trying to protect her son on multiple fronts.
Sculli never fails to impress. Her tough-loving, stern approach avoids feeling like the stereotypical mean nun. She makes an impact when subtly showing her vulnerability during her scene with Mrs. Muller. A lesser actor could make this role seem vindictive, but Sculli somehow adds an unspoken possibility that there is an honest and just reason behind her actions, as if something from her past is refusing to let her back down.
Cox is a powerhouse as the accused cleric. He appears to be a fine, upstanding educator and coach, but after suspicion is raised, even the most reasonable statements give pause.
Cox delicately balances between defensive and guilty, trying to maintain his composure while wanting to explode. You try to peer into his past, but he refuses to let you see anything but the situation at hand. It’s a brilliant contrast to the sense of past that Sculli brings.
A well designed set made scene transitions smooth and well paced, which could have been particularly detrimental in a play without intermission.
“Doubt” discusses mature subjects, and may not be appropriate for young audience members. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., until May 3. For reservations call 330-746-5455. The Victorian is at 702 Mahoning Ave.