Nunsense Gets A Big “Amen!”
By Cate Rees-Hessel
Drury Lane’s production of “Nunsense” is a madcap romp that leaves the audience in stitches – the fundraiser at Mount Saint Helen is in full swing in this marvelous musical. The acting is superior, starting with Cory Goodrich as the Mother Superior herself – she does a side-splitting monologue in the first act. Her nun-ber two, the Director of Novitiates as played by Sharriese Hamilton, has impeccable comic timing and a most unusual name. Rounding out the cast are the ballerina noviatite (Aurora Boe en pointe), a nun with amnesia that might not be the brightest crayon in the box anyway (the versatile Kelly Felthous), and the nun who wants to get in on the act, literally (charming Rachel Carreras).
This small cast of five very unique ladies of the cloth is big on entertainment, each of the performers giving stellar performances. Dance captain Kayla Shipman has done an excellent job helping to carry out the fun choreography created by Kenny Ingram, complete with ballet and tap numbers. The set is absolutely charming, but you might just think you are at the wrong play when you enter the theater – the Mother Superior quickly explains the seeming discrepancy at the beginning of the show. Costumes are realistic, with fun props along the way, including maracas and a pink feather boa. A ventriloquist segment is adorable and the blessed mother cookbook scene is absolutely hilarious, complete with a Mary Magdalene recipe and an unforgettable Boy Scout entry.
The nuns break the fourth wall with interesting audience participation. A quiz is given, complete with a ruler yielding sister – you might win a prayer card, or get a medal just for being Catholic. The vocals are heavenly, and their comic timing perfect – the reprise of “Nunsense Is Habit-Forming” ends the show by bringing the house down.
A serious ballad at the beginning of the second act is beautiful and heartfelt, making me very proud to be Catholic. The sisters from Hoboken even have Chicago spirit with a complimentary mention of our Pope Leo. Other references include Sally Field and, of course, “The Sound of Music”, among others. The laughs keep coming throughout the entire production. “Nunsense” gets a big “Hallelujah!”, but the nun fun ends on August 2nd, so fly on a wing and a prayer to www.drurylanetheatre.com.
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