7th ‘Nunsense’ show goes Hollywood

MARY ANN FALK/VWCT play review

Where can one get a top-notch musical presentation featuring Elvis, Bob Barker, Marilyn Monroe, Mae West, Norma Desmond, and the Lone Ranger set in Oz, Casablanca, Bedford Falls, and Hollywood? The answer is at the Van Wert Civic Theatre’s latest production of Nunset Boulevard, The Nunsense Hollywood Bowl Show.

Another “Nunsense”? You bet. This VWCT season closer marks the sixth in writer Dan Goggin’s “Nunsense” series, and VWCT has done all six of them — in order, I might add. Number six is just as funny and quirky as the other five and features five energetic nuns played by five talented actresses.

Please don’t worry if you are a novice to the “Nunsense” phenomena; you will enjoy the show because the nuns will fill you in on their backgrounds before and during the show. Whether this is your first or 50th time seeing a “Nunsense” show, you will have fun and maybe win a prize. For Nunset Boulevard, Goggin sets the show in the Hollywood Bowl-a-Rama, a bowling alley and cabaret lounge in the heart of Hollywood. The sisters agree to appear there because they think they are going to the Hollywood Bowl.

Despite the misunderstanding (or perhaps fraud), the sisters press on and perform for the assembled audience.

This reviewer has personally appeared on stage in four of the VWCT “Nunsense” productions, so I speak from experience when I say playing a blues-belting, tap-dancing, joke-telling nun while dressed in a habit is not easy; but director-choreographer Jerry Zimmerman has assembled a cast worthy of the challenge. Linda Stanley once again appears as Reverend Mother. Stanley delivers a solid performance.  Her comedic timing and truly in-charge characterization drive the show, and no one does a better Mae West or Baby Jane.  You are going to have to buy a ticket to find out more about that.

Vicki Shurelds is back as Sister Mary Hubert, the second in command. Witnessing Shurelds being taken over by the spirit of Elvis at one point in the show is worth the price of admission.

Jewell Kurtz takes on her very first Nunsense role as Sister Mary Paul, aka Sister Amnesia.  Kurtz breathes life into the memory-challenged Amnesia. In typical Goggin style, Amnesia gives a quiz to the audience — complete with prizes. If you get to participate in the quiz and win the dollar, I recommend you trade the dollar for the optional prize. The joke that follows is raunchy and worth three or four laughs.  And if you don’t win that prize, be sure to volunteer to be in the game show later on. You may get a chance to bowl a turkey.

Debbie Briggs plays the Brooklyn-accented, former juvenile delinquent turned nun Sister Robert Anne. While I am disappointed by what Goggin wrote for Robert Anne’s opening number, Briggs welcomes the audience, opens the show, and sets the tone for an irreverent, fun evening.  Briggs has high energy all night. Her vocal ability ranges from ballads to belting out some difficult lyrics, all while dancing.  Robert Anne is not an easy nun to play (I have a little experience with Robert), but Briggs makes it look very easy.

VWCT newcomer Kelly Biese, as Sister Mary Leo, rounds out the cast. Biese’s portrayal of Mary Leo is sweet and subdued, just as it should be.  Her song “Where is the Rainbow?” is one of my favorite moments in the entire show.

Mary Leo is a ballet dancer who has hopes of becoming a movie star. And, for this show, that is the basis of the plot. Oh, yes, the plot. Well, there is very little plot in this show. The sisters even admit this fact in a musical number early on. The plot involves Mary Leo auditioning for a part in a movie. Will she get it?  You will have to tune in to find out.

As with any great production, the task involves much more than just the actors on stage. Once again, Zimmerman has directed and choreographed a show that makes us believe these are really nuns from New Jersey. The choreography, while sometimes deceptively simple looking, adds polish and sometimes humor to the production. In charge of music is VWCT veteran musical director Dee Fisher. The music for this “Nunsense” is challenging and full of fast-paced, tongue-tying lyrics. Fisher not only has the nuns singing in perfect harmony but also leads the orchestra consisting of her on keyboard and Rick Lunz on drums. Taking on the challenge of the costume design are Stanley, Leslie Simon, and Kathy Muse. Costume design? It’s just habits, right? No, it is so much more. It takes a real genius to make a nun look like Marilyn Monroe. The other technical areas add the needed ambiance and skill to make the show great.

I highly recommend this show. All ages will enjoy the fun. Performances of Nunset Boulevard continue tonight and Saturday as well as May 18-21 at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling the box office at 419.238.9689, Monday-Saturday from 2-6 p.m.