'Nunsensations!' is zany fun

by Wayne Erreca

Special to the Record Eagle

If your theatrical taste relishes complex dramatic soliloquies shaded by finely timed Shakespearean measures, or you prefer the melodic orchestral splendors of Rodgers and Hammerstein carrying your imagination to the far-off South Pacific, you may find Dan Goggin's "Nunsensations!--The Nunsense Vegas Revue" a lesser artistic endeavor..  But if you're seeking rollicking, hilarious fun and lighthearted entertainment, it will tickle your silly-bone for a marvelously zany evening of enjoyment!

Director Kristen Hains and the Old Town Playhouse are currently staging the refreshing comedic magic of Michigander Dan Goggin's recent musical, "Nunsensations."  It's one of six in his series of "Nunsensical" plays that date back to his original "Nunsense," which successfully ran for 3,672 performances off-Broadway in 1985.  In 1986, he received the Outer Critics' Circle Awards for Best Musical, Best Book and Best Music.

The plot is simple with Mother Superior (Barbara Goodearl) being informed her Mount Saint Helen's School will receive a $10,000 donation if she and four other nuns, Sister Mary Hubert (Jennifer Archibald), Sister Robert Anne (Diana DiMarco Morgan), Sister Mary Amnesia (Shakyra Eady) and Sister Mary Leo (Lisa Blackburn) agree to perform, sing and dance at the Pump Room Lounge in Las Vegas.  What ensues is a variety of more than 20 humorous and witty songs, engagingly performed by these five unorthodox nuns wearing their full traditional habits.

What is immediately noticable is how well Hains and Assistant Director Billie Thompson cast their show.  The Holy ensemble of nuns are molded perfectly in unison, and brillantly reflect their talents during the amusing "Cirque du Blimp" routine near the closing of Act One.  Costumes by Kathy Verstraete, Gratiot Country Players, Bob Miller, Glenn Gauthier and Pinkie Hoffman add greatly to the comedic visual glitter.  Matt McCormick's set design displays the cheesy tinsel of a lower-end Las Vegas club, including a center-piece orchestra platform for band members:  Linda Daivs (piano), Paulette Parsons (synthesizer) and Cherie Panamanian (reed). A scrim would be helpful, though, alowing the nuns more intimacy during their wonderful routines, so the accomplished band will not draw focus.  Joe Clark's light design was adequate, but should have included more nuance as seen during the start of "I Left Him There."

Archibald and Morgan brighly shine in their characterizations and offer excellent vocals while singing "When The Chips Are Down" and "Why Sing A Ballad?"  Eady is astonishingly good during "Hollywood 'n' Vinyl" with puppet in hand.  Goodearl provides sound anchorage throughout, showcasing her pleasant voice and amicable demeanor.  And Blackburn's steady support and sweetly delivered "I Left Him There" rounds out a wonderfully successful cast.

Is there a moral storyline to be found?  Yes, as it's inspirationally sung by the endearing nuns.  When attending a casino, "Take The Money and Run"