NUNSENSE

NUNSENSE – Book, Music and Lyrics by Dan Goggin; Directed and Choreographed by Nancy Evans Begley; Music Direction by Andrew Fischer.  Produced by Parker Arts and Veritas Productions (Presented at the Schoolhouse Theatre, 19650 East Main Street, Parker) through November 17.  Tickets available at 303-805-6800 or ParkerArts.org. 

There are shows that even the most casual theatregoer has probably seen.  FIDDLER ON THE ROOF – OUR TOWN – SOUND OF MUSIC – FOREVER PLAID – and, most likely, NUNSENSE, a cherished piece for when your company has more women than men.  So, it’s nice to revisit it once and awhile.  There’s nothing that makes these corny jokes and songs about being a nun very up-to-date, but you find yourself laughing (or smiling loudly) in spite of yourself.  Generally, because the women playing the nuns are having so much fun doing it. 

What makes the whole she-bang (see what I did there?) fun is when it is cast with five ladies who know their stuff, as Pace and Veritas Productions have done with this show.  Let’s take the Mother Superior, for instance.  Jennifer Burnett is more than qualified to lead this rowdy bunch.  She has taken leads in productions all over town, been nominated for Henry awards (and won one), toured nationally, and just did an outstanding job in a performance of CABARET.  Her Mother Superior is quietly commanding, generously gruff, and a no-nonsense leader of the pack.  Her introduction to nose candy is quite a rush (whoops! I did it again!) 

Sister Hubert is given an exuberant life by Arabella Beaubrun with a hardy laugh and bouncy humor.  Every musical with any hint of religion must have a big shouty gospel song and Arabella makes the most of hers with “Holier Than Thou.”  She is sympathetic to the trials of her fellow nuns, but still backs up the Mother Superior as in their duet of “Just a Couple of Sisters.”   

Sister Amnesia – so named because she lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head – gives Jamie Molina a chance to shine.  She is the dippity doo in this crazy little show.  Her memory lapses allow the other nuns to poke gentle fun at her and reveals her personal gift of comic timing.  In a recent production at Town Hall Center, she held her own as the second banana to comic legend Annie Dwyer.  No small feat.  She brings the same commitment and charm to her role as Amnesia and gets the happy ending she deserves. 

Ali Chung is fast becoming a familiar face in Denver’s many theatres.  Here she plays the tough girl nun from New Yawk, Sister Robert Anne, who can strip down a motorcycle and save your soul without breaking a sweat.  Her running joke with the Reverend Mother is that she is not allowed to perform a solo and has to be devious in getting her moment to shine in “I Just Want to be a Star.” Ali is definitely already a star. 

A nun in training is called a novice but Kayleigh Bernier is no novice at musical comedy.  She’s already got lead roles under her wimple – such as her recent performance at the Pace Center as Ellie in LEGALLY BLONDE.  She brings an unabashed charm to her role as the nun-in-the-making with her gentle manner, quiet grace, and sweet voice.  Such is her talent and versatility. A marked change from the high-energy role she just completed in the bigger theatre in Parker. 

Director Nancy Evans Begley picked five differently talented women to complete her cast and then let them show their humor and talents confidently.  Her choreography is simple as suits women in habits yet well taught and performed.  A talented actress and dancer herself, she has now turned her energy to producing and directing.  Lucky us to benefit from her experience. 

A WOW factor of 8.75!!