Theatre Palisades Latest Show is Running Through October 2
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Where in Pacific Palisades can one go to see tap dancing, singing, ballet, ample jokes and nuns—all in the same night on one stage?
Pierson Playhouse for a performance of Theatre Palisades’ latest musical comedy, “Nunsense.”
The show is billed as a “hilarious spoof about the misadventures of five nuns trying to manage a fundraiser,” according to a synopsis shared by Theatre Palisades.
“Sadly the rest of the sisterhood died from botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared by Sister Julia Child of God,” the summary continued. “Thus, the remaining nuns—ballet-loving Sister Mary Leo, street-wise Sister Robert Anne, befuddled Sister Mary Amnesia, the Mother Superior Sister Regina and mistress of the novice Sister Mary Hubert—stage a talent show in order to raise the money to bury their dearly departed.”
With book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin, the Theatre Palisades version of the show is directed by Alta Abbott, with Bill Wolfe as musical director, Victoria Miller as choreographer and Greg Abbott as assistant director. It is produced by Martha Hunter and Sherman Wayne.
“In this world today, with, well, not the happiest of stories leading the news reports, this show is exactly what we need right now,” Alta wrote in a director’s note. “Sitting here at Theatre Palisades, we just want you to have fun. As the MC says in ‘Cabaret,’ leave your troubles outside. You can laugh, you can cry, you can win prizes, yes you can, if you just join in the fun.”
The very first thing that made “Nunsense” stand out was the level of audience involvement it offered. Before the show officially began on stage, the nuns walked around the audience, asking questions and interacting with theatergoers in their seats.
Because of the nature of the story—a talent show—the audience in Pierson Playhouse was transported to the auditorium featured in the set, which allowed for several instances of interactions throughout the performance, including a chance to answer trivia questions. This facet kept those in the audience even more aware and alert of what was going on in the show—from the start to the standing ovation at the finish.
Out of the five nuns cast—Julie Hinton as Sister Amnesia, Lindsay Kazan as Sister Leo, Jacquelyn Levy as Sister Hubert, Savannah Ludwig as Sister Anne and Valeria Sullivan as Reverend Mother—only one actor is not making their debut with the theatre, and that is Hinton, who appeared in “Bark! The Musical” in 2018.
Before the opening of “Nunsense,” a couple of cast changes were implemented behind the scenes, but sitting in the audience, one would have never guessed, as the five final nuns gelled together so well, it really did seem as though they lived together in a convent. The relationships between all five were well portrayed, including respecting, and, at times, pushing the boundaries of, Mother Reverend and the rest of the members of the convent protecting their own Sister Amnesia, who arrived without knowing exactly who she is.
When it comes to songs, this musical offers a wide range, with catchy tunes like “Nunsense Is Habit-Forming,” performed by the cast, to the slightly more serious take on “Playing Second Fiddle,” performed by Sister Robert Anne—which really gave a chance for the strength of Ludwig’s voice to shine.
Individually, each nun was a talented force to be reckoned with, but some of the most enjoyable moments of the show are when all five sisters are harmonizing. The sound of their singing filled the theater as if a whole chorus was taking the stage, an impressive feat when realizing that’s the power of five voices.
The attention to detail in “Nunsense” was also apparent—down to the costumes, also designed by Alta, which featured things like “R” and “L” written on the bottom of Amnesia’s shoes to remind her which one goes on which foot.
Come for the music and comedy, stay to find out if the nuns are able to raise enough money to bury their sisters and if Sister Amnesia can remember where she is from. What truly is a comedic show also offers glimpses of sisterhood, while poking good fun at Catholicism, in a way that will have audiences entertained from the moment they take their seats.
“With catchy songs and irreverent comedy, ‘Nunsense’ is sure to keep audiences rolling with laughter,” the synopsis concluded.
Performances are scheduled to take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., as well as Sundays at 2 p.m., through October 2. Tickets are $27 for adults, and $25 for seniors and students.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit theatrepalisades.org.
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