Archive for September, 2009

Anthony R. Johnson, who is playing the male lead as Father Brendan Flynn, in Lyric Arts’ upcoming production of “Doubt, A Parable” was able to share some thoughts on his experience with “Doubt.” Please read below

LA: Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

ARJ: I have a BFA in Theater from the University of Minnesota – Duluth. After graduating college my wife and I lived in London for a while before moving back to the Twin Cities to pursue a career in theater. I spent a few years working as an actor at places like the Illusion Theater and The Great American History Theater, along with doing some film and television work. Once I got married I decided to settle down and get a “real job” and became an advertising copywriter. I continued to indulge my love of theater by directing shows for a number of different theaters in the area. After having twin daughters 3 years ago, I set aside my theatrical pursuits to concentrate on my family. Doubt marks my return to the stage after a nearly 5-year absence.

LA: Tell us a little bit about why this particular show interested you.

ARJ: First of all it’s an amazing script. “Doubt” is so wonderfully written that even now, nearly 2-months in, I am finding new and exciting things in the subtleness of the story. “Doubt” is a story for the ages. It may seem like a small story set at this one moment in time but it really cuts to the heart of how we as a society can be so quick to judge someone based on what others lead us to believe. With reality television and 24 hour news it seems judgment has become a spectator sport. Secondly, the role of Father Flynn is one of those roles of a lifetime. Especially for me. I tend to be attracted to the misunderstood outsiders. I love characters whose earnestness and need to do good somehow becomes a liability.

LA: “Doubt” was a recent blockbuster hit, for those that have seen the movie why should they come and see the stage version?

ARJ: Film tends to be a passive, solitary art form. With live theater you are an active participant. You share this experience with everyone around you. And this is a play that begs to be experienced live. The tension and emotion are so raw; it’s going to be a very visceral event. Besides this is a play that is open to so much interpretation. Honestly I haven’t seen the movie, but I bet there are a lot of things that we are interpreting differently, so this production should be a whole different experience then watching the film.

LA: Many people think that “Doubt” just centers on an abuse scandal in a church. Is that true? If not, what is the show about?

ARJ: Like the title says, this is a parable. A modern day morality play. At one point Father Flynn says, “You make up stories to illustrate.” And that is what John Patrick Shanley has done. He’s taken this challenging, charged story and used it illustrate a point about our society as a whole. The point is to generate debate. Real debate, where people actually listen to one another and try to understand the other persons point of view.

LA: Has this show challenged you? If so, in what ways different from other show you have been involved with?

ARJ: “Doubt” is definitely a challenging show for an actor. I think for all four of us. There are layers of subtly that have to be explored to get to the truth of every moment. There is no fluff in this script. Every word, every gesture, every glance means something important. So yeah, it’s been a challenge but a fun challenge.

LA: Come and see Anthony in “Doubt, A Parable” from September 11-27, 2009.

Patti J. Hynes-McCarthy, who is playing the female lead as Sister Aloysius Beauvier, in Lyric Arts’ upcoming production of “Doubt, A Parable” was able to share some thoughts on her experience with”Doubt.” Please read below.

LA: Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

PJHM: I have and BA and a MA in Theatre. My husband and I have produced shows for The Seasons Dinner Theatre on Bunker Hills Golf Course here in Coon Rapids for the past 22 years. I have written 23 shows produced at the Seasons and plan to publish them. Some of my personal favorite roles have been Agnes in “I DO! I DO!,” Mavis in “THE MURDER ROOM,” Amanda in “PRIVATE LIVES,” and Mrs. Venerable in “SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER.”

LA: Tell us a little bit about why this particular show interested you.

PJHM: I saw the motion picture last year, knowing it was a Pulitzer Prize winning play that had been made into a movie. I walked out of the theatre thinking, “If I ever get a chance to play the role of Sister Aloysius, I know it will be one of the highlights of my career.” It is! Sister Aloysius is tough as nails, has an overbearing sense that she is right about everything, and will protect the children of her school with her last breath. You may not like her, but you have to admire her.

LA: This show is a huge artistic step for a community theater to take on, why should people come out and see the show?

PJHM: The performances from this cast are stellar. I’ve been working with professionals for 22 years, directing and producing professional theatre and the actors in this show match up to professionals. I am so proud to be a part of this cast. Audiences are in for a real treat in terms of the performances.

LA: “Doubt,” was a recent blockbuster hit, for those that have seen the movie why should they come and see the stage version?

PJHM: The stage version of “DOUBT” is far more powerful than the movie. There is a passion in the stage version that doesn’t exist in the movie. The movie creates all the intensity with music and camera shots. The stage version is more real and the audience will clearly experience the intensity. I wouldn’t be surprised if audience comments on feeling emotionally drained after the show. It will certainly give them food for thought. They should have coffee afterwards and talk about it since the show will leave them with a decision to be made.

LA: Any other areas that you would like to comment on?

PHM: My accolades go out to Scott Ford who has directed this show in such a way as to allow us to discover so much about the characters and our motives. It has been a very gratifying experience.

LA: Come and see Patti in ” Doubt, A Parable” from September 11-27, 2009.

Lyric Arts had the opportunity to ask some questions of director, Scott Ford, for the first show in our 2009-2010 season, “Doubt, A Parable.” Check out what he had to say about the production.

LA: Tell us a little bit about why this particular script interested you?

SF: It is ridiculously well written. It won a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award because John Patrick Shanley’s script is brilliant. All four characters are complex, interesting people who are, at times, stunned by information revealed by others; and they respond by delivering stunning blows of their own. It makes for great dramatic conflict because the audience feels empathy for characters that are at odds with one another.

LA: For those that are unfamiliar with “Doubt, A Parable” can you tell us about the show?

SF: It is set in a Catholic school in the mid-1960s and focuses on an accusation of impropriety made by a nun, the school principal, against a new priest in the parish. Charges fly, allegiances shift, and motives evolve. The plot is a suspenseful puzzle as the audience attempts to figure out where the truth lies.

LA: This show is a huge artistic step for a community theater to take on, why should people come out and see the show?

SF: This is a bold choice for Lyric Arts and they are to be applauded for producing such an engaging and thought-provoking play. Not everyone will interpret it the same way. It is a play that gives credit to the intelligence of the audience. Come see it with your friends and I guarantee that you will have plenty to discuss with them afterwards.

LA: “Doubt” was a recent blockbuster hit, for those that have seen the movie why should they come and see the stage version?

SF: The movie was based on the play. The original script is more compact and direct than the film script which is expanded to include many minor characters. Movie scripts demand a cinematic visual component, where the live theatre experience places greater emphasis on the tension of the dialogue and the immediacy of the action.

LA: Many people think that “Doubt” just centers on an abuse scandal in a church. Is that true? If not, what is the show about?

SF: The question of an abuse scandal is merely the backdrop for this play. The play in no way makes a political point about recent issues within the church. Instead this is a play about how people in conflict deal with each other. It is about the benefits and pitfalls of not questioning our assumptions about other people. It is about why we believe what we believe. It is about individuals, not the institution.

LA: Being that you have directed at Lyric Arts in the past, how has “Doubt, A Parable” been a different experience for you?

SF: The biggest difference has been how the tone of the script has shaped the rehearsals. We have had the most exciting and interesting conversations about the motives and desires of these characters.

LA: Has this show challenged you? If so, in what ways different from other show you have directed?

SF: The challenge in directing the play is to never dictate how the audience should feel about the characters or their actions – to keep valid a variety of possible interpretations. Most plays make clear to the audience what they ought to believe. In this play they are encouraged to entertain the possibility that what they believed a few scenes prior should be viewed in a new light. The story encourages the practice of doubt.

LA: Comment on the characters and cast members?

SF: There are traits to admire and criticize in all four characters. The roles really allow the actors to show off their range. These compelling characters are being brought to life by a versatile, experienced and talented cast.

LA: “Doubt, a Parable” will be performing September 11-27, 2009 on the Main Street Stage.