HCCT's Plays for New Audiences Series Begins with DOUBT

The Hill Country Community Theatre will present "Doubt: A Parable" as part of its Plays for New Audiences series. The drama, by John Patrick Shanley, will be presented for four performances only on May 23, 24 and 25, at 7:30 p.m., and May 26 at 2:15 p.m. Director, Patrick Lescarbeau, has gathered a group of actors from Austin who will be coming to HCCT to perform the show.

HCCT provides only comedies and musicals for its regular season shows. The Plays for New Audience series will allow theatre-goers to see thought-provoking dramas. "To be a well-rounded performing arts organization we must produce dramas," said Mike Rademaekers, the theatre's executive director. "Plays for New Audiences will present short runs of plays that have social significance and explore the human condition. Some of these plays might have controversial themes or language that is not right for everyone. 'Doubt' gives our patrons a chance to see this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play. It takes place during the civil rights movement, but many of the issues are relevant to problems we are still facing today."

Set during the civil rights era in 1964 at a Catholic school in the Bronx, "Doubt: A Parable" focuses on the school's principal, Sister Aloysius, a nun who values a stern hand over progressive education. When the priest, Father Flynn, is suspected of inappropriate behavior with the school's first black student, Sister Aloysius begins a crusade to rid the church of him-jeopardizing her own career as well as his. As the play unfolds, ideas of compassion, innocence, tolerance, and certainty are tested, forcing the question the playwright himself posed: "What is lost and what is gained when the world changes?"

"Doubt: A Parable" will be presented at the Hill Country Community Theatre, 4003 W FM 2147 in Cottonwood Shores. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for students with a valid ID. Tickets may be purchased online at www.theHCCT.org, at the box office, or by calling (830) 798-8944, beginning April 15.