One of the most fascinating parts about going to see Doubt, our latest production that runs through the end of this week, is listening to the conversations that occur on the way out of the theatre. Who is arguing on behalf of Father Flynn, or who is saying Sister Aloysius is right…even if she is wrong. Few patrons appear to leave the play with no opinion.

Here’s one we received by email, addressed to the playwright, John Patrick Shanley:

Dear Mr. Shanley,

We have been season ticket holders at Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre Company in Salt Lake City for over 10 years. We have seen many many excellent plays there during that period of time. However, your play that we saw last night, is my favorite of them all!

The actors did a fine job and the set was fantastic, as usual, but the play itself was fantastic. We have never talked with our friends, that we go to plays with, so much so much afterward.

The subject itself, of the conflict between trust and doubt, is a fantastic topic. The way you inserted the brief sermons was excellent. Mrs. Muller (Shannon Koob who gave an exceptional performance) also added an interesting perspective. The way you left it unknown at the end, who was right, Sister Aloysius or Father Flynn, just capped it off.

This play touched on emotional contemporary issues of the molestation of young boys in the Catholic Church. The theme of trust vs. doubt has parallels to world events such as, are there weapons of mass destruction or do we need to bomb Iraqi citizens because there “might be” some. “We can’t risk a mushroom cloud!” Should we talk to foreign leaders, even though they are not friendly, to try to find common ground (as Senator Obama who I support has suggested), or are we naive to do this?

Personally, I hope Father Flynn was right. I think we have lost something as a society to be so fearful and doubt everyone. I wish we could return to a more trusting time.

Thanks again for your excellent play! I wish everyone could see it!

Mark Rothacher
Salt Lake City, UT