Brooke Hills Playhouse announces its third production of its 52nd season, “Nunsense,” a musical whose book, lyrics, and music were written by Dan Goggin. Municipal Mutual Insurance Company and Reasner Funeral Home are season sponsors.
“Nunsense” will run July 7-9 and 14-16. The plot involves five of the 19 survivors of the Little Sisters of Hoboken who discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, accidently killed the other 52 residents of the convent with her tainted vichyssoise while they were off playing bingo with a group of Maryknolls. Upon discovering the disaster, Mother Superior had a vision in which she was told to start a greeting card company to raise funds for the burials. The greeting cards were an enormous success, and thinking there was plenty of money, the Reverend Mother bought a VCR and camcorder for the convent, leaving her with no money to pay for the last four burials. With the deceased nuns on ice in the deep freeze, the survivors decide to stage a variety show in the Mount Saint Helen’s School auditorium to raise the necessary amount.
Participating in the project are Mother Superior Mary Regina, a former circus performer who cannot resist the spotlight; her competitive but dignified rival, second-in-command Sister Mary Hubert; Sister Robert Anne, a streetwise nun from Brooklyn; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is determined to be the world’s first ballerina nun; and wacky, child-like Sister Mary Amnesia, who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head. The entertainment that they present includes solo star turns, madcap dance routines, and an audience quiz.
Director Chelsey Barnhart of Wellsburg has cast Michelle Turner from Wintersville as Mother Superior Mary Regina; Carrie Cronin from Wellsburg as Sister Mary Hubert; Niccole Welch from Wellsburg as Sister Robert Anne; Angelina Montesano from Follansbee as Sister Mary Leo; and Ashley Jackson from Wellsburg as Sister Mary Amnesia.
Also involved in the production are choreographer Elise Oliver from Warwood and pianist Roberta Fedoush from Weirton.
Brooke County Arts Council president Julia Barnhart reminds everyone that a Playhouse Extra, a musical, “The Last Five Years,” starring Bethany Fernbaugh and Lakin Weaver, will be presented Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1 at 8 p.m. This musical is rated PG13.
Ticket prices for musicals are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and students, and $12 for children.
More information may be obtained by calling or texting 304.737.3344.