When the surviving nuns of the Little Sisters of Hoboken need to raise money to deal with a tragedy that wiped out most of the order, what are they to do but put on a variety show?
That’s the premise of “Nunsense,” a musical comedy opening at the Evergreen Playhouse in Centralia on Friday, March 1.
The show-within-a-show follows five nuns as they perform “a riotous revue packed with hilarious, show-stopping song and dance numbers,” according to the Evergreen Playhouse.
“Five nuns. What could go wrong?” said director Matthew Michael.
The nuns do their best to put on a good show on a stage borrowed from the local middle school, which is coincidentally running “Grease” at the same time, while also dealing with their own interpersonal conflicts and a looming deadline from the Jersey Board of Health.
“It's just silly, fun and humorous. Not really to be taken seriously,” Michael said.
The five-woman show debuted in 1985 and became an international phenomenon, with eight sequels and spin-off musicals developed to date.
The fourth show of the Evergreen Playhouse’s six-show season, “Nunsense” serves as a palate cleanser between the theater’s thoughtful winter production, “Almost Maine,” and the upcoming farce “Noises Off.”
“It’s kind of nice to have a little refreshing reset before we get into the rest of the season,” Michael said.
When asked what about “Nunsense” appealed to him as a director, Michael said, “I think just the fun of it, the audience participation and the silliness of it. It’s a different thing that we haven’t done at the playhouse for a while.”
Audiences should be ready for the nuns to interact with them from the stage. And, of course, they should be ready to laugh.
“I hope audiences come expecting to have fun and enjoy the show,” Michael said. “It’s a comedy. We’re just here to have fun (with the) five sisters from Hoboken.”
Performances will take place from Friday, March 1, through Sunday, March 17. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets cost $18 for adults and $15 for students and seniors.
A special pay-what-you can performance is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 7.
Purchase tickets ahead of time at https://evergreenplayhouse.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
The Evergreen Playhouse is located at 226 W Center St., Centralia.
Cast list
Mother Superior: Jennifer Wallace
Sister Mary Hubert: Lucy Page
Sister Robert Anne: Amanda Bronkema
Sister Mary Leo: Brittany Wilcox
Sister Mary Amnesia: Nicole Galyean
