Set against the backdrop of a Bronx Catholic school in 1964, DOUBT is the story of Sister Aloysius, the stern principal who suspects a young, charismatic priest of having improper relations with one of the altar boys. Though she lacks proof of his guilt, her moral certitude sets forth to make the priest accountable for his actions.

Stage veteran Cherry Jones originated the role of the formidable and tough-minded Sister Aloysius on Broadway and won a Tony Award for her indelible performance. Now that the play recently kicked-off an eight-month national tour, Jones is delighted to reprise the role and go along for the ride.

“I’m chomping at the bit,” Jones said. “I remember when I left the show and thinking ‘Why am I leaving this? This is more fun than I’ve ever had in my life.’ The tour is giving me a second opportunity with this amazing character that I wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to yet. When you have such a strong connection with a character and you enjoy it so much, it’s hard to sort of see it disappear.”

Sister Aloysius is indeed a juicy role that theatergoers may be inclined to loathe but they will not soon forget. Having spent much time inhabiting the character, Jones perceives her qualities and flaws a little differently.

“She’s an incredibly compassionate and loving and courageous person,” Jones said. “I do not see this character the way audiences do. I have to say I see her as I know her, from the inside, so I have a tremendous amount of respect for the whole person.”

As for getting into character, Jones is aided by two very simple costume accessories: Eyeglasses and a bonnet. Modest as they may be, Jones said they “take me away from me more than any costume I’ve ever had. It so transforms me.” In taking her Tony-winning-turn on the road, Jones will continue to explore the many facets of Sister Aloysius.

“I’m trying to preserve the things that I know make her really work for audiences while trying to, I hope, add some new depth that I hadn’t plumbed the last time,” Jones said. “We’ll see whether I can pull it off or not in those nice, big houses,” she added with a chuckle.

Jones needn’t have any doubt whether she will succeed. She joined the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1980, not long after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University, and quickly established herself as a reliable and versatile actress, appearing in 25 productions over the subsequent six years as a company member. She was nominated for a Tony in 1991 for her performance in OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD and later won her first Tony in 1995 with her performance as Catherine Sloper in THE HEIRESS. She most recently appeared on Broadway in FAITH HEALER with Ian McDiarmid and Ralph Fiennes.

Aside from the stage, Jones has made a lucrative career on the big screen by playing smaller roles. Her film credits include “Ocean’s Twelve,” “Erin Brockovich,” “The Perfect Storm,” “The Village” and “The Horse Whisperer.” Though she enjoys film work and uses the pay from movies to support her theater career, she remains a self-professed “stage actress.” So what is it about theater that she finds so alluring?

“I love the idea of creating a reality that is not broken for 90 minutes or two hours or three hours depending on the show,” Jones said. “Fortunately this one is 90 minutes.”

The National Tour of DOUBT is currently at the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco. Additional information about the production can be found at http://www.doubtthetour.com. Visit http://www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com for tour dates in a city near you.

By: Kirk Wingerson

---------------

Top Photo: Cherry Jones, Tony-winning star of the National Tour of DOUBT.

Bottom Photo: Cherry Jones as Sister Aloysius, and Chris McGarry as Father Flynn, in the National Tour of DOUBT.