Belleville Theatre Guild

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Press Release
December 21st, 2010

The Belleville Theatre Guild - 256 Pinnacle Street, Belleville
(613) 967-1442

Cast members, Doubt, A Parable, Left to Right: Robert Lloyd and Diane Burley

Must See Play/No Doubt About It

Belleville: One woman's certainty shines as harshly as a naked light bulb amid the shadows of "Doubt", the Belleville Theatre Guild's drama by John Patrick Shanley.

And it will probably surprise no one that this rigidly assured figure is both a nun, in the order of the Sisters of Charity, and the principal of a grade school. Sister Aloysius, portrayed by Diane Burley, an award winning Guild actor, sets "Doubt" in motion by pursuing her intuition that a priest has an unhealthy relationship with a boy in her school. Burley brings both strength and humanity to this role.

The play is set in the fictional St. Nicholas Church School, and is punctuated by two monologues, sermons conducted by Father Flynn, a beloved and progressive parish priest and the focus of Sister Aloysius’ suspicions. Performed by Robert Lloyd, with his commanding voice and presence, his is sure to be a gripping performance.

When Sister Aloysius learns from a younger nun, Sister James, played by Corrie Allen, a talented young actor, that Father Flynn has met one-on-one with the student in question, it becomes clear that Aloysius harbours a deep mistrust towards her students, her fellow clergymen, and society in general. She believes there has been sexual misconduct and attempts to enlist the help of both Sister James and the boy’s mother to prove it.

The role of Muller’s mother is performed by Esther Parry, a highly intuitive actor who although her role is small, will surely deliver.

The play was written in 2004 and first appeared off Broadway at the Manhattan Theatre Club. It won both the Tony and Pulitzer prizes in 2005 The play was adapted for film in 2007 and starred Meryl Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

This third production of the season was originally billed to be Michel Tremblay's two hander "For The Pleasure Of Seeing Her Again". However, due to unforeseen circumstances, we were unable to get the rights. We believe that you will be blown away by director Liz Marshall's choice.
Even as "Doubt" holds your conscious attention as an intelligently measured debate play, it sends off stealth charges that go deeper emotionally. And when Sister Aloysius, in response to Sister James's complaints that she hasn't been sleeping well, says, "Maybe we're not supposed to sleep well," the softly spoken words unsettle in ways that full-voiced cries of anguish seldom do.

This is a play about passionate people in extraordinary circumstances. It is a ninety minute, tightly-written drama that will have the audience at the edge of their seat. It is the material of front page news.

The show runs from February 3rd to February 19th. Tickets are $18.00. There are two Sunday matinees and a total of thirteen performances. For more information, visit our web site at www.bellevilletheatreguild.ca/info.htm or call 613-967-1442.

Audience members have been enjoying our 50/50 draws held each performance. And our Sunday matinées have proved to be a huge success.

The Pinnacle Playhouse offers elevator service right into the theatre, a barrier-free washroom and room in the front row for wheel chairs and other mobility devices.

Please join us and enjoy a superb evening of theatre, with your local community theatre group. 2010 - 2011 is our 59th season!

DOUBT, A PARABLE
February 3 - February 19, 2011
by John Patrick Shanley, Directed by Liz Marshall
$18
Click here to request tickets

Submitted by
Debra Tosh