No DOUBT About the Quality at Forge

The latest production at Forge Theatre, DOUBT by John Patrick Shanley, is the story of the head of a Catholic school in the Bronx who believes that a priest at the connected church as an improper relationship with one of the boys. Her investigation and the interaction among the characters is the story within the story.

Andrea Daniels as Sister James and Sherry Snyder as Sister Aloyisius Beauvier in Forge Theatre's production of DOUBT, playing in Phoenixville PA through November 20.

Director Cindy Schneider has assembled a very fine cast. Sherry Snyder as Sister Aloyisius Beauvier is stern and unyielding, yet is able to carry the initial meeting with Sister James very well with its straight-comedic twists. Andrea Daniels as Sister James is naïve and sweet, yet allows herself to be swayed by Sister Aloyisius. Eric Jarrell portrays Father Brendan Flynn as a priest who refuses to distance himself from his congregation or the students, and has a fierce determination to keep certain matters private. Rounding out the cast, Tia Chanel Allen plays Mrs. Muller, the mother of the boy Sister Aloyisius believes has been with Father Flynn. She gives a very good portrayal of a woman conflicted by the truth of her home life and the allegations of Sister Aloyisius.

The play moves along rapidly, yet gives the audience time to think about whether the allegations may be true or false. The relentless attacks by Sister Aloyisius move things along well, with Sister James and Father Flynn reacting and counter-attacking as the facts seem to prove or disprove Sister Aloyisius’ theory. The meeting between Sister Aloyisius and Mrs. Muller is intense and in some ways very heart-rending. My congratulations to the cast for making me forget at times that this was a theatre and these were actors.

DOUBT is a production that deserves an audience. The performance I attended was sold out, and the audience received a marvelous performance in return. I highly recommend taking the trip to Phoenixville to see this outstanding production. Call ahead for reservations…the seating is very limited.

DOUBT
by John Patrick Shanley
Directed by Cindy Schneider
November 5 - 20, 2010
FORGE THEATRE
241 First Avenue
Phoenixville, PA  19460
610-935-1920
www.forgetheatre.org 

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Walter Bender

Walter Bender is a veteran of over 35 years performing all over the country. He attended Texas Lutheran University as a Theatre Arts and Vocal Performance major. While in college he toured much of the Southern and Western states with various acting and singing groups. He appeared briefly on radio in San Antonio and on TV in Miami while in college. Moving back to PA, he has performed in well over 100 amateur and professional theatrical productions, and directed dozens more throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Among his favorite roles are Lt. Colonel Jessup (A Few Good Men), Daddy Warbucks (Annie), and most recently he was George in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Arguably his favorite theatrical memory was creating the role of Alan Frick in A Fast Train to Heaven for Bill Gottshall Productions. He is co-founder of Spring-Ford Community Theater, has served as Managing Director of 2 different theaters, Artistic Director of a third and President of another. He worked for the Delaware Valley Arts Institute, where he worked with many wonderful artists and instructors, culminating in being selected to facilitate a post-graduate course at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Currently he serves on the board of directors for dcp theatre as their Director of Corporate Communications.

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