Broadway Access Review -
Doubt
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General Note
This is a review of the accessibility of the theater, of the lighting/sound/scent design of the show, and a list of content warnings as a way to prep folks with various needs before they go see it.
This is not meant to scare anyone away from seeing the show. Most productions have about the same amount of content warnings and sensory warnings to go along with it, they’re just rarely explicitly written down.
For some people, knowing these things ahead of time makes it easier to enjoy the show because they know what to expect. And, often, makes those people more likely to see it in the first place. I hope that it’s helpful!
I am also happy to clarify any specifics, just send me a message or an email and I will respond when I can.
Theater
Todd Haimes Theatre
All comments on the accessibility of lighting are in reference to seats in the back right of the orchestra
Bathrooms:
no explicitly gender neutral bathrooms, though each has a sign that says “this restroom may be used by any person regardless of gender identity or expression”
located in the penthouse lobby (level 5) and lower lounge (beneath the orchestra) with accessible options on level 5 and the orchestra level
Other theater accessibility:
the theater has a step-free entrance to the orchestra, though please note that the last 4 rows of the orchestra are up anywhere from 1 to 3 small steps
there is an elevator to each level of the theater
they offer hearing devices, captioning, and audio description
Click here for more information on the physical accessibility of this theater.
Light/Sound/Scent
General:
I did not feel the need for my earplugs/ear defenders, though the choir music during the scene changes (and opening) is sometimes very loud in comparison to the dialogue happening onstage
there are very occasional accidental strobes/quick reflections on the set that is Sister Aloysius’ office when it rotates on and off
this show runs 90 minutes with no intermission
Show:
opening choir music is loud, lasts about 10 seconds
Father Flynn blows the whistle once during the scene change to the gym and again after the “Kool-aid and cookies” line. The light behind/above him in this scene is a sharp white LED
when Flynn walks on to give his second sermon, the lights up is fairly quick
the scene change after the cawing birds was semi loud
Content Warnings
This is a play about two nuns trying to uncover a priest who may or may not be… having relations with a young boy in 1964. It also includes the intersections of race, religion, discussions of queerness, and discussions of other kinds of child abuse.