The Little Sisters of Hoboken are in trouble. After consuming a tainted batch of vichyssoise, many sisters in their community went to their eternal rewards. Now the Sister are in debt to pay for their burials. So the Order is looking to do some fundraising and they plan on doing it by presenting a variety show in Clifton, NJ this coming weekend. Come help them out by attending their show. You will hear some heavenly singing, meet a unique group of nuns, and have a lot of fun in the process.
Now what is going on here is that a community theater group named the St. Philip’s Players, formerly Blue State Productions, is presenting the classic musical Nunsense. Nunsense has a book, lyrics and music by Dan Goggin. It opened Off-Broadway in 1985 and ran for over 3,600 shows It has become a regional and community theater favorite and has been seen in numerous locations around the world.
There are five nuns who make up the cast. These five Sisters tell their stories about who they are, why they became nuns, and what they hope for and dream about. The music is very upbeat with a positive and fun outlook to it. One cannot help but laugh and smile as songs such as “Nunsense is Habit-Forming,” “So You Want to be a Nun” and “Holier Than Thou” are performed. “The Dying Nun Ballet” brings dance to the stage and “Baking with the BVM” gives any cooking show a run for its money. It’s an opportunity to see a show that has a bit of a crazy story line but one that works out so easily that you can’t help but feel good watching it.
The St. Philip’s Players show is directed by Joseph Shreck Jr. who has been involved in theater for over 30 years. This is Joe’s 3rd time directing Nunsense and considers this time around to be the best because of such an outstanding cast.
The cast of nuns includes:
Erica Kresch as the Reverend Mother/Sr. Mary Regina – After Nunsense, Mother Superior says she has no desire to continue in the theatre. But rumor has it that she would consider doing national commercials or a television series to raise money for the Order.
Luisa Fuentes as Sr. Hubert – Sister currently servers the Order as Mistress of Novices, training new recruits. Her position is not unlike drill sergeant; however, she is the first to point out that her approach is more gentle – but firm.
Nancy Mandel-Bach as Sr. Robert Anne – Sister Robert Anne had a very checkered career prior to entering the convent, including various acting stints.
Evie Salerno as Sr. Mary Amnesia – This nun is truly a lost soul. She arrived at the convent in her habit without a clue to her identity…recalling only that a crucifix fell on her head.
Nikki Simz as Sr. Mary Leo – Sister is a novice who entered the convent to dedicate her life to God through the dance.
Creatives for show include:
Michael S. Caldwell – Musical Director
Beth Serwin – Choreographer
Denise Pannullo – Co-Producer
Kathy Wall – Stage Manager
Performances of Nunsense will be at St. Philips, 797 Valley Road in Clifton on Friday, Sept. 16 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 17 at 8:00 p.m. Friday’s performance is a Dessert Theatre with tickets priced at $25. Saturday’ performance is either Dinner Theatre for $35 (entrance at 6:30 p.m.) or Dessert Theatre for $25.
To make reservations, please call 973-779-1439 or 973- 607-1924. Please leave a message, your call will be returned. You may also send an email to stphilipsplayers@aol.com.