Sister Aloysius, a Bronx school principal, is shaken to her moral core when she suspects that young Father Flynn is having an inappropriate relationship with a male student.
This delicate tension between perception and reality is explored in Doubt, A Parable, the next production in Gallery 7 Theatre’s 2017-18 Mysteries of Life theatre season.
Touted as “a superbly told yarn” by the New Yorker and “a gripping mystery, tightly written” by Time Out New York, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by John Patrick Shanley will be performed at the Abbotsford Community Arts Addition Jan. 26 through Feb. 10.
“The play is a riveting and entertaining story of what happens when uncertainty occurs in our lives,” said Ken Hildebrandt, director of the place and artistic director of Gallery 7 Theatre.
“The play is not a celebration of doubt. Rather, it serves as an inspiration and challenge for us to embrace times of uncertainty as opportunities to grow. Plus, it explores some extremely timely questions about suspicion, race and abuse. ”
Playing the role of Sister Aloysius is Gallery 7 Theatre newcomer, Marit Christensen. Christensen has a wealth of theatre experience, having performed in productions in Calgary, Vancouver and Salt Spring Island.
Father Flynn, the young priest that is the focus of Sister Aloysius’ suspicions, is played by film and stage actor, Jay Danziger. Fraser Valley audiences will remember his work in productions of The Giver, Shadowlands and Damien.
Langley resident Nicola Prigge, making her Gallery 7 Theatre stage debut, will play the role of Sister James, a young and impressionable sister who is a new teacher at the school. Prigge is an actor, director and stage manager, and is a graduate of the TWU Theatre program.
Playing the role of Mrs. Muller, the embattled mother of the only black student at the school, is UFV Theatre student Abigail Kibarita. Kibarita last appeared on the Gallery 7 stage as Babette, the feather duster, in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
“I’m so thrilled to be working with such a talented and passionate group of performers. Their performances are electrifying and engaging, and I believe this show will be another outstanding showcase of the incredible talent we have in the Fraser Valley,” said Hildebrandt. “We have an equally talented and passionate group of designers and production team members bringing this play to life.”
Set design is by Calvin Baker, who last designed lights for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and costume design is by Dani Dejong, who last designed the costumes for Little Women. Lighting design is by Matthew Piton, who designed the set for this fall’s production of Peter and the Starcatcher and sound design is by actor, choreographer and designer, Tessa Trach. Stage manager for the show is Cameron McKerchar and the production photographer is Dianna Lewis Photography.
For tickets and more information on Doubt, A Parable, visit www.gallery7theatre.com or House of James, 2743 Emerson St., Abbotsford.
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