Players brings Pulitzer Prize-winning drama

On April 26, The Wimberley Players opened its second production of their 45th season with “Doubt: A Parable,” directed by new-tothe- Players Heather Barfield, Ph.D., from Texas State University. Running weekends through May 19, this production promises a thought-provoking exploration of morality, certainty and the complexity of human nature.

Based on the 2005 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play by John Patrick Shanley, “Doubt: A Parable” is a gripping narrative that delves into the charged atmosphere of a fictional 1960’s Catholic school. The author Shanley, a former US Marine, is best known for his original screenplay for the 1987 movie “Moonstruck,” starring Cher and Nicolas Cage, for which he won an Academy Award. In 2005, he directed and adapted his original play for the feature film “Doubt,” starring legendary actors Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams and Viola Davis. It earned several Academy nominations and awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay.

The setting is during the time of Vatican II when changes were sweeping the church and young priests and nuns were defying their superiors to march for civil rights. The story revolves around head mistress Sister Aloysius, played by veteran Player Roxanne Strobel, and Father Flynn, played by accomplished Shakespearean actor Justin Scalise from Austin as the beloved, progressive parish priest. Sr. Aloysius, a member of the old guard, strict and uncompromising, has become convinced that Fr. Flynn is guilty of misconduct with a young student who is being bullied and, without proof, proceeds to torment the young Father with accusations and innuendo. Veteran Player Rebecca Woods plays Sister James, a young, well-meaning nun, and Mrs. Muller, the bullied student’s mother, is played by another Austin actor Juvauna Harris.

“Shanley dares us to meditate on the structures of feeling for 'doubt.' What does doubt look like? What does it feel like? How does 'doubt' sound in our dreams and music? His premise is that when we sit in the tense, abyssal, space of doubt we interconnect beyond prescribed behaviors. Conviction – the antithesis of doubt – is hard, solid, unbreakable whereas doubt gives the expanse to breathe, to practice empathy, to philosophize, to bond,” Barfield said.

In addition to talented veteran designers and crew members, the Players welcomed two new designers: Patrick Anthony as the Scenic and Lighting Designer and Vikki Schwarz as the Music Designer — who will also be adding her own original compositions to the production.

“It is my hope as the composer and arranger that audiences will not only encounter the uncertainty in this play and be inspired to deeply examine their own experiences of doubt, but that they will also hear music that unsettles, resettles, and leaves space for contemplative reflection,” Schwarz said.