Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, November 5, 1993 TAG: 9311060098
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By KAREN L. DAVIS SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
It delivers all of the above and more. The season finale is a lively variety show complete with song-and-dance numbers, well-timed jokes, a ventriloquial act, a drive-in movie skit, and even an audience-participation quiz.
The play's premise centers on a benefit show given by five nuns at Mount Saint Helen's School in Hoboken to raise money to bury four of their dead sisters. It seems 52 of the convent's sisters died after eating tainted vichyssoise cooked by Sister Julia, Child of God. But only 48 could be buried before the Reverend Mother spent all of the convent's money on a big-screen TV.
So, some of the survivors banded together to put on a show and get up enough money to bury the four dead sisters, who, incidentally, are in cold storage in the convent's freezer.
Sound like nonsense? Well, it's supposed to be. The nun's incongruent behavior is in hilarious conflict with society's preconceived ideas about convent life. But the nonsensical theme is tasteful, even uplifting, and the format involves some fun interaction among the cast and audience.
The ensemble cast consists of Karen Crush Branch as Sister Mary Hubert, Sharon Capps as Mother Mary Regina, Kim Pitts as Sister Robert Anne, Jayne Levesque Vest as Sister Mary Amnesia and Tamara Brainerd Stinson as Sister Mary Leo.
Because this show has an extra-long run, Joanna Capps prepared for all five roles as understudy.
The performances sparkle with humor and are evenly matched. Although you're likely to pick a favorite character, no one outshines another. Vocals are not overpowered by the orchestra, but the audience laughter may occasionally drown out a one-liner or two.
Rehearsals for the musical comedy began shortly after Labor Day. Choreographer Ann Shannon began by teaching cast members to tap dance, Armstrong said.
Their extra practice makes a near-perfect finale to the first act, with the five nuns in habits singing and tap dancing as they "Tackle That Temptation With A Time Step." A six-piece orchestra, directed by Barbara Williams, accompanies them onstage behind the scrim.
The play, written by Dan Goggin, opened in New York City at the Cherry Lane Theatre in 1985, and won an award for best off-Broadway musical.
"It's been a dream of mine to direct this show," Armstrong said. But because of the play's popularity, "it took a long time to get the rights to do it."
"Nunsense" continues at Showtimers' McVitty Road Studio through Nov. 21. Performances take place Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $8 weekdays and matinees, $9 Fridays and Saturdays. Student tickets are $4.
For reservations, call the box office at 774-2660.
by CNB