The Little Sisters of Hoboken invite the public to a night of music, song, dance and surprises when Brainerd Community Theatre presents "Nunsense."
Show will be at 7:30 p.m. July 14-16 and July 20-22 in the Chalberg Theatre at Central Lakes College in Brainerd.
"Nunsense" follows the tragic poisoning of 52 nuns in the Mount Saint Helen's Convent, the result of tainted vichyssoise served up by convent cook Sister Julia (Child of God), the sisters find themselves in a financial bind. There was enough money in the convent's treasury to bury all but four of the deceased nuns. The others have been kept in the convent freezer until money can be found to give them a proper send-off. And that is the reason for the night's entertainment, to raise funds for the burial of four nuns who've literally been kept on ice. Sister Mary Regina, the Mother Superior of Mount Saint Helen's Convent, have gathered together the surviving nuns and put together a variety show.
Joining her are: Sister Mary Hubert, the Mistress of Novices, who has a slight inferiority complex when it comes to Mother Superior. She is continually vying to take over the top spot in the convent. Sister Robert Anne, a streetwise tough cookie who's been given the unenviable task of driving the convent station wagon, and who seeks her one moment in the spotlight.
Sister Mary Leo, the novice, who joined the convent in order to become the first nun ballerina.
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And Sister Mary Amnesia, who lost her memory after a crucifix fell on her head. She brings a variety of talents to the show in a sweet, rather vague sort of way, it stated in a news release.
The sisters sing, dance, perform sleight of hand, ventriloquism and tell stories, all for the cause of planting their departed sisters.
The cast for "Nunsense'" is a mix of BCT regulars and newcomers. Barb McColgan plays Mother Superior. McColgan has appeared in BCT productions of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," "Blithe Spirit," "The Drowsy Chaperone" and last summer's "Steel Magnolias." She is joined by Laura Oldham, who plays Sister Hubert and is also the production's vocal director. Oldham has appeared in numerous community theatre productions in the area, most recently in the Pequot Lakes Community Theatre production of "Beauty and the Beast."
Bri Keran, known to local audiences for numerous BCT productions, including "Steel Magnolias," "The Foreigner," "The Servant of Two Masters" and "Jack the Ripper," plays the second fiddle Sister Robert Anne. Sylvia Borash makes her BCT debut in the role of Sister Mary Leo, the dancing nun. She has appeared in Brainerd High School productions and is a national award-winning dancer with the Music General Dance Studio.
Mary Wayne plays Sister Amnesia. Wayne has recently taken up permanent residence in the Brainerd lakes area. She appeared as Sister Mary Leo in a production of "Nunsense" that took place, according to her, "many years ago."
"This is the first of several 'Nunsense' themed shows written by Dan Goggin," BCT Theatre Director Patrick Spradlin stated in a release. "There are now six or seven different variations on the theme; however, this is by far the funniest and most popular show in the franchise."
He also applauds the five women in the cast for their talents. "I've been blessed with this group of actors. They each bring their own unique talents to the show, but to see them work together has been a true joy. Audiences will be thoroughly entertained."
Choreography is by Stephanie White; set designer Tim Leagjeld; costume designer Dawn Marks; and lighting and sound designer Ben Kent. They are under the technical direction of George Marsolek, while Marc Oliphant serves as production stage manager.
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Tickets are available online at www.clcmn.edu/arts or from the BCT box office at 218-855-8199.
"Nunsense" is produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
