SPRINGFIELD – If you enjoyed Sister Act in the 1990s, you will enjoy the musical comedy Nunsense now on stage at Pegasus Playhouse at 402 Main St.
However, this play might be even zanier! It features tap dancing, ballet, ventriloquism, and singing. Audiences enjoyed this play so much when it premiered in 1985 that there were six sequels, spin-offs, and versions adapted for television.
“It’s great to have a musical with a strong female presenting cast,” said Director Scott Frazier-Maskiel. “The music is very well written. It’s a fun, silly take on religion, and we could all use a laugh right now.”
Amen to that!
The play occurs while the Little Sisters of Hoboken put on a variety show as a fundraiser. They are desperate because Sister Julia, Child of God, accidentally poisoned all but 19 of the nuns, and the remaining nuns need to raise funds for burial costs.
With no other choice, they need to put on a variety show – which results in lots of laughs for the audience.
Mother Superior Mary Regina, played by Rebekah Hope, poses in the library for the “Nuns on the Run” calendar.
Scott Frazier-Maskiell / PHOTO PROVIDED
This kookie cast includes Mother Superior Mary Regina, a former circus performer played by Rebekah Hope, who delivers a laugh-out-loud performance. Sister Mary Hubert, played by Miriam Major, always tries to outcompete her, leading to fun antics. Major’s vocal talents were impressive, especially her deep sultry solo. Christiana Dancer, who played Sister Mary Leo, was entertaining as a ballet dancer.
Sister Robert Anne, played by Lexy Menjivar-Grueskin, is a nun from Brooklyn who is street-smart and witty. Her over-the-top portrayal was hilarious, but more than that, anyone who hears her voice will be impressed. It is amazing she isn’t already on Broadway.
Sister Mary Amnesia – you guessed it – has no memory because a crucifix fell on her head. Laura Waters, playing the part, had three distinct stage voices she spoke/sang in, though her puppet voice was the most entertaining.
When asked what she enjoyed most about the play, audience member Cari Cramer of Eugene said, “I enjoyed the comedy and Sister Amnesia’s quiz,” referencing the audience quiz, which gave the play an interactive element.
Love for Sister Amnesia and the interactive part of the play was a sentiment repeated by several audience members who loved Waters’ ability to improv in the audience interaction piece, her puppet act, and her overall quirky portrayal of her character.
There was so much talent in this play. Believe it or not, this all-adult ensemble only rehearsed for two months.
“The cast is small, so we have much more room to experiment. We’re all putting a lot of our personality into our characters,” said Lexy Menjivar-Grueskin, who plays Sister Mary Robert Anne. Menjivar-Grueskin also volunteers as the theater’s marketing consultant.
As part of a fundraiser, the playhouse sold “Nun of the Month” calendars in the lobby, which included “Nuns on the Run.” The calendar shows the playhouse cast dressed as nuns and posing at local venues and murals.
Sarina Dorie is the arts writer for The Chronicle.
