“Nunsense”

**** Nuns! How many musicals and films have been made with the focus on Nuns? If you Google it, you will have pages and pages to go through. When it comes to musicals featuring nuns or about nuns, there are three of note: “The Sound of Music”, “Sister Act” and last, but not least, “Nunsense”, now on stage at Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook. While “Nunsense” is billed as Musical Comedy, with a book, music and lyrics by Dan Coggin, I think of it as more of a revue with a story, albeit a very weak one, but the show is great fun, even if you are Jewish. Luckily, my co-host and good buddy is a devout Catholic, so I am able to get any notes that may have been side jokes over my head.

Goggin’s story is that The Little Sisters of Hoboken have lost many of their nuns and in order to bury the few remaining ones, who are now in the freezer, they are staging a talent show. It is their hope that they will indeed raise enough to ge this done post haste as the odors are starting to be noticed in the air. The show directed by E. Faye Butler on a delicious set by Lauren Nichols is adorable and quite fast moving. When you enter Drury Lane you will notice no curtain on the stage, but in fact, a set that appears to be ready for a production of “Grease”. In fact, many patrons on opening night began to think they came to the wrong theater or the wrong night. They do explain that they are borrowing the set of the high school in order to raise the funds.

You will also be approached by the nuns as they walk along the aisles asking for donations. NOTE: the money they collect will go to Seasons of Concern! There are five nuns, played by five actresses who are different in many ways, but together bring this production to light and make for a wonderful 2 plus hours of solid fun and entertainment. The actresses are: Aurra Boe ( Sister Mary Leo), Rachel Carrera (Sister Robert Anne), Sister Mary Amnesia (Kelly Felthouse), Sister Mary Hubert ( Sherriese Hamilton) and the Mother Superior, Sister Mary Regina ( Cory Goodrich). A fabulous quintet of talent.

Each of these performers get their moment to shine, and when they do, they truly do! Hamilton has been wowing audiences for years and doesn’t fail in this one “Holier Than Thou” in the second act is powerful, and amazing. Aurora Roe will keep you in stitches and Kelly Felthous is terrific. Rachel sings a number, “I Want To Be A Star” that will knock your socks off, and as always, Goodrich sparkles in her Mother Superior character, in particular when she sniffs something left behind-incredible!

Even the orchestra appears to be part of the  program. While we only seethe conductor Sister Charlotte Rivard-Hoster, we know that along with her novices, Lauren Pierce, Maggie Hillock, Eva Butcher and Monica Benson, the music is terrific. The songs will not be ones that you hum as you leave the theater, but the smiles you will be wearing are due to the blend of performers making this production one that you should see ( at least once). Song titles like “Growing Up Catholic”, “Clean Out The Freezer” “So You Want To Be A Nun?” and many more are designed to make you laugh, and if you are not an out-loud laugher, at least smile.

Chicago audiences are used to church plays, as we are home to Vicki Quade who has been presenting her “Late Night Catechism”, “Bible Bingo” and Nuns 4 Fun” for years. This is just a little more sophisticated and less audience involvement, although they do have a segment where audience members can get involved and have some fun! The dance numbers are adorable as choreographed by Kenneth E, Ingram and the tech aspects of the show were shining lights. The lighting ( Lee Fiskness) and sound (Stephanie Farina and Sarah Ramos) along with the prop design by Cassy Schillo were all terrific. The costumes by Rachel Sypniewski were nun’s habits and accessories so one can’t be to creative, but I must say, the unique styling for every personality did show.

“Nunsense” will continue thru August 2nd with performances as follows:

Wednesdays    1:30 p.m.

Thursdays       1:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Fridays             7:00 p.m.

Saturdays        3:00 p.m. & *:00 p.m.

Sundays           2:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Tickets range from $85 and are available by calling   630-530-0111 or by visiting www.DruryLaneTheatre.com

Drury Lane Theatre is located at 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace ( just North of the Oakbrook Mall)

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Nunsense”.