Oscar-nominated film comes to Lawrence stage

From left, Reta Cosby, who plays Mrs. Muller, and Sandra Gray, who plays Sister Aloysius, rehearse a scene from “Doubt” at Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 N.H.

Mary Doveton says the play “Doubt” has two acts.

“The first is inside the theater, and the second in audience members’ cars and homes as they discuss the play,” she says.

That’s why Doveton, director of Lawrence Community Theatre, is looking forward to Thursday’s opening of “Doubt.”

The play, which has won a Pulitzer Prize and three Tony Awards, also was made into a 2008 movie that received five Oscar nominations.

The show is about Sister Aloysius, a Catholic school principal who suspects a priest of inappropriate behavior. She’s forced to take matters into her own hands, outside the church’s hierarchy.

“The play unfolds almost like a mystery,” Doveton says, “but its examination of truth and consequences raises more questions than it does answers.”

The small cast features Sandra Gray as Sister Aloysius, Jason Abramowitz as Father Flynn, Amanda Thomas as Sister James and Reta Cosby as Mrs. Muller.

“Doubt” opens today, with additional performances Friday, Saturday, Sunday and March 5, 6, 7 and 8. Thursday performances are at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $14 to $20 and are available by calling 843-7469 or logging onto www.theatrelawrence. com.