Date: Fri 31-May-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Illustration: C

Location: A-8

Quick Words:

theatre-Nunsense-TheatreWorks

Full Text:

(rev "Nunsense" at TheatreWorks New Milford, 5/31/96)

Theatre Review-

`Nunsense' A Worthwhile Enterprise

By Julie Stern

NEW MILFORD - It has been observed by many a critic before me that Nunsense is

a theatre saver, filling enough seats to cover the costs of the rest of the

season, enabling a company to try more experimental or adventurous fare. That

in itself makes Nunsense a worthwhile enterprise.

TheatreWorks New Milford has chosen to do the show, and indeed the company's

parking lot was quite full the night we went. Happily, the New Milford group

has tackled its current production with its usual perfectionist standards. The

result, which continues until June 15, is a particularly lively and

entertaining rendition of the saga of the Little Sisters of Hoboken and their

attempts to raise enough money to bury the 53 nuns who died of food poisoning

after eating bad vichyssoise.

Laurie Brown as Sister Mary Hubert (in charge of novices) and Beth Jenkins as

Sister Robert Anne (gym teacher and convent driver) whip the audience into

line right from the get-go, reminding everyone how to stand and address the

Reverend Mother (Sue Birch), whose rash purchase of a VCR and camcorder used

up the money that would have paid for the burial of the last four nuns.

Missy Slaymaker (Cara Paul played the part opening weekend only) is wistful as

Sister Mary Leo, an aspiring ballerina who wishes she were allowed to wear a

tutu, and Carol Fenn is particularly droll as Sister Mary Amnesia, who,

unfortunately, was hit on the head by a falling crucifix and cannot remember

who she is.

The quintet keeps up a non-stop routine of songs, fast patter, slapstick,

ventriloquism, physical stunts, nun jokes and amazing tricks one can do with a

habit. All of this is funny, and probably more so to people who remember being

intimidated by nuns in their childhood. You can pretty much tell by the joyful

disbelief on some people's faces which of those in the audience went to

Catholic school.

Director Joe Longo and musical director Suzi Erickson have done good things

before, both at TheatreWorks and also with Musicals at Richter, and their

talents are put to full use here, on the small intimate TheatreWorks stage

where it feels like a school auditorium.

If you have never seen Nunsense , or you have always wanted to put the fear of

old-fashioned parochial school into your kids, or you simply like the show and

are ready to see it again, this is as good a chance as any.

Tickets for Dan Goggin's Nunsense at TheatreWorks New Milford are $15 each,

$13 for seniors and students, and may be reserved by calling 860/350-6863.