For 25 years and over 5,000 productions worldwide, “Nunsense” has been making diverse audiences of all ages laugh. The hit musical is being produced by the Smyrna Opera House Sept. 10-12.
Directed by Smyrna resident Barbara Bigelow, the actors include: Amy Biang (Sister Mary Robert Anne), Kathleen Baber (Sister Mary Amnesia), Amanda Tusio (Sister Mary Hubert), Victoria Nicole Hodgson (Sister Mary Leo) with Bigelow also playing the part of Reverend Mother Sister Mary Regina.
The production staff includes: Marissa Parker as assistant director, Marie Reynolds as show accompanist, Alex Marthaler as rehearsal pianist, Missy Anspach as choreographer, Rick Schuman as set designer, and Jim Cantillon as light designer.
Opera House Executive Director David Keller said, “I think the community is in for a real treat regarding this production. Seeing a musical is a terrific way to get away from the daily grind and just lose oneself in the fun. ‘Nunsense’ should really infuse the start of our season with a lot of energy.”
About the story
Written by Dan Goggin, “Nunsense” begins when the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, and they are in dire need of funds for the burials. The sisters decide that the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show, so they take over the school auditorium, which is currently set up for the eighth grade production of “Grease.”
Here we meet Reverend Mother Regina, a former circus performer; Sister Mary Hubert, the Mistress of Novices; a streetwise nun from Brooklyn named Sister Robert Anne; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is a wannabe ballerina; and the delightfully wacky Sister Mary Amnesia, the nun who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head.
Featuring star turns, tap and ballet dancing, an audience quiz, and comic surprises, this show has become an international phenomenon, having been translated into 21 languages.
Opening night reception
Before the first performance of “Nunsense,” the Smyrna Opera House will host a special opening night reception on Friday, Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m. to celebrate the new season and remember the service to the Opera House by the late Len Rippa and the late Bob Bamberger.
Light refreshments will be served and memorial donations accepted.
All opening night ticket holders are cordially invited to attend this special event to kick-off the 2010-11 season.
If you go
What: Musical comedy “Nunsense.”
