THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 26, 1996 TAG: 9605260086
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
TYPE: Theater review
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY LENGTH: 53 lines
The Encore Theatre has a case of sequelitis.
Because ``Nunsense'' proved a success a few years ago, the Elizabeth City group decided to see what would happen with part two of Dan Goggin's nunsensical adventures.
``I've heard that the second one is not as funny as the first. I disagree,'' said director, E. Scott Wells, in his best public relations manner. ``I think they're equally funny.''
The characters are the same. Top Nun is the Reverend Mother. Her charges, a varied lot, are Sisters Hubert, Amnesia, Robert Anne, and Leo, all sweet and funny. And they're always managing to get into all sorts of weird, wild situations in the show.
Scott is in a weird situation. He is heading to Utah the day after the show opens.
No, he's not ashamed of ``Nunsense 2,'' to be presented on the Main Street Stage on May 31, June 1 and June 6 through June 8. He has a lot of family in the Provo area, and June 1 is the day he will be homeless if he sticks around.
Wells and his wife, Lara, have been in Elizabeth City three years and have been active in theater. He will also direct and act in Utah.
A well-known area director is in the producer's chair this time. Shawn Smith, who teaches drama at Elizabeth City State University, is guiding ``Nunsense 2.''
He brought with him Dorothy O. Wills, who has performed for him several times at ECSU. This is her first Encore production.
``We really bonded very well,'' she said of her relationship with the Encore crew.
Another newcomer to the local stage and the area is Robin Tripp of Barco. He's a Greenville native, recently returned here from New York City. She also worked repertory in Washington, D.C.
Tripp has a degree in theater arts from East Carolina University and has worked with the Martin County Community Players.
Tripp acts, sings, dances - and writes.
She got hooked up with Encore when someone told her to show them her play. She wound up in this play.
Her play, ``Surviving Ordinary,'' is ``tongue-in-cheek, truthful. It kids Southern views of family, weddings, religion,'' she said.
It must be good because Tripp was a semi-finalist in the Southeastern Theater Conference competition, which includes entrants from 10 states.
Another Encore newcomer also has some impressive credits.
Vince Corozine, an ECSU music instructor, recently scored a film for CBN. He is handling the ``Nunsense 2'' score.
Wells has this to say about the sequel:
``It will be no surprise as far as the characters are concerned. They were introduced in the first play, so you already know them. This is a funny show. We have a talented group, and they're a hard-working bunch.'' by CNB