‘Doubt’ at Cape May Stage

Cape May Stage continues its 20th anniversary season with one of the most critically acclaimed plays of the decade, John Patrick Shanley’s “Doubt.” This fast-moving, suspense-filled Pulitzer Prize and Tony award-winning drama opens in the Robert Shackleton Playhouse at Bank and Lafayette Streets on Aug. 20 and continues through Sept. 27.
Hailed as the “number one show of the year” by the Associated Press when it premiered on Broadway in March 2005, this headline story of suspicion and moral certainty calls into question exactly what is the right action when one is not sure.
Set in a Bronx Catholic school in 1964, the story centers on Sister Aloysius, a hard-edged principal who rules with an iron fist. She is unimpressed with the new teaching methods of some of the younger nuns, including those of Sister James, whom she feels is too soft and interested in offering compassion and friendship instead of discipline.
Sister Aloysius interrogates Sister James about a priest’s relationship with Donald Muller, the only African American student in a predominately Irish and Italian parish. She is not comforted by Sister James’ assertions that Father Flynn, a young priest, has become the boy’s mentor and protector. 

Acting on her deep-seated suspicions, Sister Aloysius is determined to challenge Father Flynn and his behavior. Convinced that he will be protected by the Church hierarchy, she sets out to take him down herself. What ensues is a bristling confrontation between the fiercely protective nun and the priest who feels that Sister has overstepped her authority.
Hailed by Time Out magazine as a “an eloquent and provocative investigation of truth and consequences,” “Doubt” will be directed by Chris Dolman, whose previous directing credits at Cape May Stage include K2, Drawer Boy, Last Train to Nibroc, and Talley’s Folly.
NY-based actor Paul Bernardo and California-based actress Mary Baird assume the leading roles of Father Flynn and Sister Aloysius. Bernardo, previously returns to Cape May Stage for his fifth season.
The cast also includes New York-based actresses Abby Royle as Sister James and Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris as Mrs. Muller, both making their debuts at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse.
This show previews on Wednesday, Aug. 20 and tickets that evening will be half-price. The official opening night performance will be Thursday Aug. 21 with an after party at the Ebbitt Room at the Virginia Hotel on Jackson Street immediately following the performance.
During the current run Cape May Stage is participating with 18 Cape May gourmet restaurants in a money-saving “Dinner & A Show” package promotion.
Restaurants involved in the promotion include 410 Bank Street, Aleathea’s, The Blue Pig Tavern, Bloody Mary’s Bar and Grill, Café Promenade, Café Verandah at the Hotel Alcott, Copper Fish, Cucina Rosa, The Ebbitt Room, Frescos, The Mad Batter, Martini Beach, Merion Inn, Oyster Bay Restaurant & Bar, The Pier House, Tisha’s Fine Dining, Union Park, and The Washington Inn. Call the individual restaurants for reservations and information.
“Doubt” performances are Wednesdays through Sundays at 8 p.m. through Sept. 27. Call 609-884-1341 for reservations or visit www.capemaystage.com.
This production is generously co-sponsored by The Blue Pig Tavern at Congress Hall and The Ebbitt Room at the Virginia.