09 Feb 2015 UCA to present 'Doubt: A Parable' during the month of February

The University of Central Arkansas Theatre will present “Doubt: A Parable” by John Patrick Shanley at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, Friday, Feb. 13, Thursday, Feb. 19, and Friday, Feb. 20, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, in the Bridges/Larson Theatre of the Snow Fine Arts Center.

“Doubt gives our students a chance to work on a 2005 Pulitzer Prize- and Tony- winning script,” said Chris Fritzges, assistant professor of theatre and director of the play. “It takes place during the civil rights movement, but many of the issues are relevant to issues 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.

Katherine Renfro, a sophomore from Bentonville, plays Sister Aloysius.

“I put myself in Sister Aloysius’s shoes and have thought in detail about the relationships she has with the other characters,” Renfro said, elaborating on the importance of character analysis in her role. “These techniques are beneficial in my academic and everyday life because I am now able step back from stressful situations and connect with others on a different level.”

UCA Theatre students designed many elements of this production. Set design is by junior Emily Ray from Redfield; costume design is by senior Hannah Moulder from Bentonville; lighting design is by senior Samantha Weldon from Cabot; and stage management is by sophomore Javan Massey of Conway.

Tickets are $10 each for the general public. The UCA community may receive two free tickets when they present a current UCA ID. Seats for this production are limited. Reservations can be made by calling 501.450.3265 or by visiting UCA Ticket Central located in the Reynolds Performance Hall box office.

More information is available at uca.edu/theatre or by contacting Melissa Kordsmeier, UCA Theatre Business Manager at [email protected] or 501.450.5092.