The Shadow of a Doubt, Edith Wharton’s drama of the world she dissected so brilliantly in novels such as The Age of Innocence, began previews July 16 at The Shaw’s Royal George Theatre. Peter Hinton-Davis directs the world premiere of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist’s only known full-length play. Teeming with her characteristic wit, this recently unearthed work is one half murder mystery, and one-half devastating critique of the hypocrisy and snobbishness of the Gilded Age.

Kate Derwent (Katherine Gauthier), a former nurse, has married John Derwent (André Morin), widower of her late patient and friend. Owing to the circumstances of their meeting, she struggles to be accepted in her new position as wife to John and stepmother to Sylvia. Kate's problems intensify when a man from her past raises suspicions regarding the demise of the first Mrs. Derwent.

The Shadow of a Doubt also features Damien Atkins, Neil Barclay, Chloe Bowman, Rais Clarke-Mendes, Patrick Galligan, Claire Jullien, Richard Lam, Tara Rosling, Taurian Teelucksingh, Julia Thompson and Lindsay Wu.

The Shaw’s production of The Shadow of a Doubt features set and costume design by 2021 Siminovitch Prize Laureate Gillian Gallow, lighting design by Bonnie Beecher and live video design by HAUI. The production team includes Meredith Macdonald, production stage manager, Becca Jorgensen, assistant stage manager and Carolyn Mackenzie, rehearsal assistant stage manager.

On stage at the Royal George Theatre (85 Queen Street) from July 16 to October 15, The Shadow of a Doubt is recommended for audience members ages 14+/Grade 9+. Running time is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, including one intermission.

Generously sponsored by The Slaight Family Foundation, the Shaw Festival’s 2023 season runs through to December 23, with a playbill featuring Mahabharata, Gypsy, Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit, The Amen Corner, Prince Caspian, On the Razzle, Village Wooing, The Shadow of a Doubt, The Playboy of the Western World, The Apple Cart, The Clearing, A Christmas Carol and Lerner and Loewe’s Brigadoon. This season’s Outdoors @ The Shaw includes Mother, Daughter, The Game of Love and Chance, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s A Grand Night for Singing – One Act – in Concert, Coffee Concerts, Speakeasies, A Short History of Niagara, What’s in Your Songbook? and Gospel Choir.  

 Direct bus service from downtown Toronto and Burlington to Niagara-on-the-Lake is available on the Toronto-Niagara Shaw Express. Luxury buses are standard size wheelchair accessible, offer free Wi-Fi and have an on-board host. $29 return per person. Ticket to a 2023 performance is required. Please pre-arrange with the Box Office. Schedule is subject to change. Please confirm dates and times with the Shaw Festival Box Office.  

For more information or to purchase tickets or a seat on the Toronto-Niagara Shaw Express, please contact the Shaw Festival Box Office at 1-800-511-SHAW or visit shawfest.com.