The opera ‘Doubt’ has a strong cast and strong story to tell

A dynamic cast emphasizes the dramatic conflicts in Douglas J. Cuomo’s super-sized opera “Doubt.”

Union Avenue Opera’s compelling presentation is the St. Louis premiere of this 2013 work, which takes the lean one-act play by John Patrick Shanley, and expands it with adult and children’s choruses to become a nearly three-hour tension-filled production.

Shanley, who also adapted the screenplay and directed the 2008 movie, wrote the opera’s libretto. The author’s prose causes some problems with the operatic interpretation because of frequent staccato delivery and a repetitive rhythms. He’s not going to leave anything out.

The story loses nothing in the translation of this parable pitting two master manipulators against each other in a church-in-crisis story that continues to resonate with all faiths in contemporary times.

The setting is a Catholic parish, St. Nicholas, in the Bronx in 1964. Father Brendan Flynn is a popular pastor embracing the innovations of Vatican II. Sister Aloysius is the parish school’s tough principal who rules with an iron fist.

Sister James suspects Father Flynn of carrying on an improper relationship with the school’s only African-American student, Donald Miller. Sister Aloysius believes Flynn must be removed. She summons Donald’s mother to discuss the situation.

The four principals give their all in powerful performances combining muscular vocals with robust acting. The moral compass gets quite a workout.

Internationally-acclaimed soprano Christine Brewer is mighty as the unwavering disciplinarian who believes the likable Flynn is a danger.

In his local debut, Wes Mason is persuasive as the influential Flynn, threatened by Sister Aloysius’s domineering leadership style.

Elise Quagliata capably handles Sister James’ conflicted feelings while Melody Wilson is potent in a standout scene as Donald’s mother.

The addition of an adult chorus — as church-goers and convent nuns — is strongest in opening and closing numbers, and when Father Flynn delivers sermons on doubt and gossip.

The children’s chorus brings a refreshing energy, and the 15 youths add an interesting element to the show. Darren Tucker excels as the young black outsider Donald.

Cuomo has composed a jazz-influenced score that is often reminiscent of Leonard Bernstein’s mean-streets score in “West Side Story.” Scott Schoonover has masterfully conducted the orchestra.

Director Tim Ocel smartly staged the show, using the Union Avenue Christian Church setting to full advantage.

Although flawed, the opera provided ample food for thought and showcased some of the strongest voices of the year.

This story was originally published August 25, 2016 at 2:14 PM with the headline "The opera ‘Doubt’ has a strong cast and strong story to tell."