Nunsense

“Somebody get me a donkey and a manger.” That is one of the countless hilarious lines from Dan Goggin’s 1985 musical Nunsense. Nunsense is the second longest running off-broadway musical in history. The Steel City Theatre Company’s production opened last night at Central High School. The large and excited crowd was quickly pulled into the show by the characters talking to, and interacting with them. This breaking of the fourth wall continued throughout the show. The audience, it turns out is attending a fund raiser for the Mount Saint Helen’s Catholic School.

We find out that sadly prior to the show the school’s cook, Sister Julia “Child of God” has killed all but 19 of the entire convent with tainted Vichyssoise soup. The remaining 19 were lucky enough to have been paying but being cheated at bingo, “If she had only called I-19.” The convent had the money to bury the 52 nuns. However after 48 of them had been put into the ground the Reverend Mother used some of the funds to buy a VCR. So until they can raise the money to bury the remaining four nuns they are being stored in the schools freezer.

The great set was part of the joke, the school’s 8th grade is doing a production of Grease and the nuns promised not to disturb the set. As the show opens the nuns teach the Mount Saint Helen’s cheer. The audience quickly got the hang of it and gladly played their part all night long. Although at certain times the lyrics were difficult to hear the songs were funny and at times tear jerking, and poignant. The biggest number and crowd favorite was the hilarious, Holier Than Thou. Understood and felt by the under-represented Catholics in attendance including this reviewer. The lights and sound were wonderful. A special nod goes out to the band that played at just the right volume to make the songs fun to hear. And a very special shout-out to the great drummer Taylor Wood, he was awesome.

All involved were great, Andrea Garrett held her own as the young and only Novice of the convent. Although she had the worst name of the bunch (according to the sisters) Sister Hubert played delightfully by Ella Diaz knocked them all over with the aforementioned Holier Than Thou and her “if I wait long enough I’ll be in charge” personality. There is nothing more exciting than a nun in converse all star high tops. Thus the street smart and tough Sister Robert Ann, played by the talented Michelle Segura. Her song I Just Want to Be a Star not only wowed the crowd but softened the heart of the stern Reverend Mother.

Marlo Angel-Hartman blew us all away with her spot on performance of the stony Reverend Mother. Her insistence on buying the VCR and then sticking to her decision despite the consequences has to be commended. She had the audience in stitches at times scared and sitting up straight in their chairs. You can always tell those who attended Catholic school. Marlo had many wipping tears from their eyes with laughter when Mother was under the influence of “RUSH” it is a sight to behold for sure.

The stand-out of the night was without a doubt the phenomenally talented, Izzy France who played the delightful Sister Amnesia, who lost her memory when a crucifix landed on her head. She plays the ditzy sister with a Lucille Ball, and Kathy Nijimy style that had the audience loving her and laughing all night long. Then suddenly she opened her mouth to sing. And the crowd was just amazed. Her voice soared throughout the theater. She was a wonder to behold. All involved should be proud of a show well done.

You can see and laugh for yourself four more times. SCTC will continue production Oct. 8, 9 (2:30) 15, and 16 (2:30), at 7:30 pm. Tickets can be bought at the door, online at www.sctcpueblo.com or by phone 719-258-8399. Come by you will not be disappointed.

-John M. Valdez, Reviewer
PPAG