Doubt by Wendell Barnes

The only thing wrong with Alliance Theatre's "Doubt" is that it is over too soon. The cast of four outstandingly talented actors keep John Patrick Shanley's masterful Tony and Pulitzer prize-winning script moving at such a lively pace that I couldn't believe it was over when it was.  I actually was surprised when the cast came out for their bows, as only 90 minutes had passed in what seemed like 30.  But as we exited, my wife turned to me and said, "Well, what else could he have said?"  And this is the truest statement she could have shared with me:  at the end of the play, doubt is established in the audience's mind.  The truth is for each individual to decide.  We had a lively debate as to whether the protagonist was guilty or not all the way home, and guess what?  After examining all sides of the discussion, both of us still had doubt!  Pamela Nyberg was a perfect Sister Aloysius, the nun you love to hate.  Thomas Piper was an appealing and convincing Father Flynn.  Their subtle performances created just the right amount of doubt.  But I was even more impressed by the supporting players:  Donna Biscoe as Mrs. Muller and Cara Mantella as Sister James.  Ms. Mantella's mobile face and convincing naiveté won me over from the first scene.  Ms. Biscoe earned well-deserved applause at the exit of her far too short scene.  Director Susan Booth kept the pace lively and interesting from the beginning pulpit scene until the curtain falls.  The Alliance has ended their Tony Award winning season with a production that will not soon be forgotten by Atlanta's faithful, although now full of doubt, audiences.  Although I leave the page as a reviewer for this outstanding season, I will remain one of the faithful audience members who has learned this season even more about the magic created nightly within the walls of the Woodruff Arts Center.  That is one thing that there is no doubt about.  Thanks for reading.
--Wendell Barnes