Can you ever truly know a person?

That is the question pressed in a new production of John Patrick Shanley’s “Doubt,” winner of both a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award. Shanley adapted his play into the 2008 Oscar-nominated film starring Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams and Viola Davis.

The stage production takes place in 1964 at St. Nicholas, a fictional Catholic school in the Bronx. As circumstantial issues arise surrounding allegations of a child sex abuse scandal, tension builds between the school’s priest, Father Flynn, and its principal, Sister Aloysius Beauvier. Meanwhile, the work delves into issues of faith, friendship, dishonesty and trust.

“In the play, you never really know who is who and what their motivations are,” said Lemuel Bardeguez, OCCC director of cultural programs.

“The audience will leave with a lot to talk about.”

Presenting “Doubt” is the Montana Repertory Theatre, a professional theater-in-residence at the University of Montana. The group literally takes its show on the road, touring nationwide with various productions. The troupe brings everything with them — lighting equipment, sets, props and costumes — but the stage. It previously staged “Fried Green Tomatoes” at OCCC.

Thanks to support from such groups as the Oklahoma Arts Council, Allied Arts and the Kirkpatrick Foundation, OCCC is able to offer the play at a subsidized cost.

“We have a nice, intimate theater; free parking; and the price is right,” said Bardeguez.

Just days after the Montana Repertory Theatre performance in Oklahoma City, the troupe is scheduled to stage “Doubt” at an Arkansas university, where tickets will be nearly double the cost of those at OCCC.

At the play’s conclusion, an audience talk-back session will be held, where the cast members can interact with the audience.

  • or