PINCKNEY, MI–John Patrick Shanley’s Doubt: A Parable is a masterfully crafted play that delves deep into the realms of moral ambiguity, certainty, and the elusive nature of truth.

Set in a Bronx Catholic school in 1964, the narrative centers around the rigid and unyielding Sister Aloysius, the progressive and seemingly kind-hearted Father Brendan Flynn, and the young, impressionable Sister James. The play’s central conflict arises when Sister Aloysius suspects Father Flynn of inappropriate behavior with the school’s first African American student, Donald Muller.

The play debuted in 2004. Shanley wrote and developed the play as the scandal gripping the Catholic Church was becoming widely known. For decades, we know now, the Catholic Church around the world covered up the harsh reality of its priests and religious brothers sexually abusing children in their charge.

One of the most striking elements of Doubt is its tight, focused structure. Shanley wastes no time with extraneous subplots, instead zeroing in on the intense, psychological battle between Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn. The play’s run time is about 1:15 hours with no intermission.

The dialogue crackles with tension, each exchange layered with subtext that keeps the audience perpetually on edge. Shanley’s writing is sharp, every word loaded with meaning, every silence pregnant with implication.

Amy Schumacher’s portrayal of Sister Aloysius in this taut production at the Dio Dining & Entertainment here. She embodies the character’s stern exterior and unyielding conviction with a performance that is both formidable and nuanced. Her counterpart, Bret Beaudry, as Father Flynn, provides a perfect counterbalance with a performance that is equally compelling, exuding warmth and charisma while maintaining an air of inscrutability. The chemistry and clash between these two actors elevate the already crackling play.

Doubt thrives on its ability to keep the audience in a constant state of uncertainty. Just when you think you have grasped the truth, Shanley introduces a new piece of information that shifts your perspective; this manipulation is where the play truly excels. By the end, you are left questioning not only the guilt or innocence of Father Flynn but also the very nature of doubt and certainty in any context.

Jacqui Blue is superb as Mrs. Muller, mother of the student in question. Her character, as written by Shanley, is a brilliant addition to the story. Indeed, the play in many ways turns on her, making the doubts facing Fr. Flynn all the more complex. Ally Szymanski infuses young Sister James with an excellent blend of innocence as a wide-eyed progressive nun who is at once respectful of Sr. Aloysius, while also disagreeing entirely with the older nun’s rigidity and hard-edge approach. Contrasting the two nuns, Shanley makes us wonder if there is more in Sr. Aloysius’s past than we know, baggage that is driving her to suspect Fr. Flynn.

Directed by Steve DeBruyne and Assistant Directed by Ann Bauman, the play’s set design, sound and lighting, by Matthew Tomich, is spare, but just right, with action concentrated in the sister’s office, which flexes to include the churchyard between the school the sister’s runs and the rectory of the connected church. This simplicity in design is mirrored in the play’s exploration of complex themes—there are no easy answers, and the truth is ever elusive. Costumes by Norma Polk and props by Eileen Obradovich place the play accurately in 1964.

Doubt: A Parable is a profound and thought-provoking piece of theater that challenges its audience to grapple with their own beliefs and assumptions. It’s a play that lingers in the mind long after the final curtain falls.

Doubt runs through July 21. The Dio also provides a top notch dinner with the theatre experience, featuring the theatre’s signature fried chicken, potatoes and creamy baked cauliflower, capped off by “Sinful” Brownies.