Doubt New Cast Sunday Matinee Review - Possible Spoilers

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 7:03pm

Mind-blowing.

Those words came to mind when I thought of the original cast, led by a brilliant Cherry Jones and Brian O'Byrne.

Never did I think the new cast would top that. It was one of the most thrilling theatrical experiences I've had in a long time (at least since I saw Sweeney in November).

I'll spare the details of the show, and go straight to the actors.

Adriane Lenox is perfection. The Tony is well-deserved and her performance has just gotten better since I saw it least.

It took me a while to get into Jena Malone, but when I could finally hear her, she was great.

Ron Eldard played the role innocently. My impression of Father Flynn was totally the opposite of when Brian did the role. Not only did I think he was innocent, but I believed that he never did ANYTHING wrong and that Sister Aloysious was just out to get him.

This is due to the total brilliance of Eileen Atkins. She was an unstoppable force. She was hell-bent on Flynn's guilt and the final moments were heartbreaking. Her Irish brogue fit the part perfectly.

A great afternoon of theater.

[Ladyofthe Lake]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 9:31pm

Ron Eldard played the role innocently. My impression of Father Flynn was totally the opposite of when Brian did the role. Not only did I think he was innocent, but I believed that he never did ANYTHING wrong and that Sister Aloysious was just out to get him.

Hmmm. Is that praise, or criticism? I've unfortunately not had the opportunity to see Doubt, but from everything I've read, I'd imagine a more ambiguous approach would better serve the material.

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 9:35pm

In my opinion, its the actor's response to the events that occur which may sway the audience's opinion one way or another.Initially, there may be uncertainty as to where Father Flynn stands. It's by the end of the show and with the actor's tailored perfoormance that the audience decides guilty or innocent.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 9:37pm

An ambiguous approach would serve the material best, but I've seen many actors who incorporate their opinion into character development.

And it's extreme praise. I thought it was great how my opinion could be totally different this time around. I've never seen anything quite like it.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 10:10pm

BUT, was he playing it innocent? Or was his character playing innocent to convince Sister Aloysius And Sister James (and consequently you) that he is innocent?

The balance of the play is in the hands of the writer and then the director. The actors playing Flynn know whether he is guilty or not. And whatever that reality is---that is what they are playing.

I'm still hearing innocent/guilty debates, so I am thinking this production is not in jeopardy of imbalance. So glad you enjoyed the show, yankee!

Updated On: 1/22/06 at 10:10 PM