‘Doubt’ features Austin talent
Published 11:30 am Monday, September 26, 2011
Lisa Sturtz, as Sister Aloysius, and Andie Nordstrom, as Mrs. Muller, go through a final dress rehearsal Wednesday evening for “Doubt,” which opens tonight. -- Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea Tribune
Several Austin residents are walking the boards and questioning concepts like truth and faith in Albert Lea Community Theatre’s latest production.
Lisa Sturtz, as Sister Aloysius, rehearses a scene Wednesday evening for the drama “Doubt,” which opens tonight.
Gordy Handeland, of Austin, directs “Doubt,” ACT’s latest show which opened last week. ACT is in its 47th season, and the show takes place at 7:30 p.m from Wednesday through the end of the week at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. In addition, players Andie Nordstrom and Al Blumenshein are both from Austin.
Lisa Sturtz plays one of the lead roles as Sister Aloysius Beauvier, the principal of the play’s school set in the 1960s. Sturtz said she enjoys that the audience and characters have to come to their own decision about what actually happens in the play.
“It’s beautifully written,” Sturtz said. “It doesn’t ever tell you who’s evil.”
The drama, written by John Patrick Shanley, tells the story of suspicion about a priest’s behavior, who may or may not have been inappropriate with a male student. Al Blumenshein plays Father Brendan Flynn, Andie Nordstrom plays Mrs. Muller, the student’s mother, and Kristi White plays Sister James.
Sturtz’s character asks White’s character to keep an eye on the priest, and based on the reports Sister Aloysius makes an accusation.
“Who believes what is all up to the character and audience member,” Sturtz said.
Nordstrom said playing the part of the mother of the student who may have been abused was difficult because in the play the mother tries to look past the abuse so her son can have a better education at the school.
Lisa Sturtz, as Sister Aloysius, and Al Blumenshein, as Father Flynn, rehearse a scene Wednesday evening. “Doubt,” a drama, opens tonight at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center.
“It just keeps your attention,” Handeland said.
The set was designed by Handeland and created by Bill Schmitt and John Fure. Handeland said he wanted a more intimate set, which is why it is built fairly close to the audience seating. The show runs about 90 minutes and has no intermission. Though there is no adult language, Handeland said the content is best for pre-teens and older.
Handeland said he enjoys that the play brings up the subject of gossip and how it can wreck people’s lives or careers. One of his favorite parts is the showdown between Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn.
“It makes people want to discuss it,” Handeland said.
“Doubt” will be performed at 7:30 p.m Wednesday, Sept. 28 through Saturday Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at www.actonbroadway.com or at the box office, which opens Monday the week of the show’s opening and is open Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m. on show nights. On Saturday evenings the box office is open from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tickets, please
What: Albert Lea Community Theatre presents ‘Doubt’
When: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 28-Oct. 1
Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center
How much: $15 for adults; $10 for students
