By LeAnna Hamblin
Five very talented and witty women come together to bring an evening full of humor and music to audiences at Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse’s production of Nunsense in Ogden, Utah. A musical comedy with book, music, and lyrics by Dan Goggin, Nunsense follows the antics of five dedicated nuns who are left with the task of burying their fellow nuns after an unfortunate bout with botulism. After burying 48 of their friends, Sister Mary Regina (Maren Scriven Swensen), the Mother Superior, decides that a new iPhone for the abbey is more important than laying the remaining four deceased sisters to rest. When the health inspector decides to show up and inspect the freezers at the abbey, the five remaining sisters frantically scramble to raise enough money to provide a final resting place for the four frozen faithful sisters.
Director Melissa Trenery brings together an eclectic combination of talent with this cast and creative team. Each player brings something unique to the production, which blends to create a comical feast for the audience. The side-splitting comedy of this show is only enhanced by impeccable vocals, directed by Whitney Cahoon, and skillful choreography, created by Bailey DeYoung and Megan Call. Jacci Florence decked out all the nuns in wonderful, authentic habits that gave this production of Nunsense a sense of reality amid all the “nonsense.” Technical director/sound designer, D.D. Lynch lends his expertise in making this production a joy to watch. The mood set for each scene with the lightning allows the audience to feel what the actors onstage feel. Although the set is minimal, set designer, Matt Trenery, does a fantastic job helping set the stage for the nuns’ variety show.
Swensen is the perfect choice for the Reverend Mother. Her stern demeanor plays well as the Mother Superior does all that she can to help this fundraising musical revue successfully earn enough money to pay for the burial costs of her deceased sisters. Swensen’s dry humor is subdued as she interjects current quips into the dialogue. Her best comedic performance comes when she “accidentally” gets a little high and becomes entangled with a stool, pretending that it is a donkey and she is the Virgin Mary. Her physical comedy is a sight to behold while she doesn’t hold anything back. Swensen’s vocals are strong and clear, just exactly what a Mother Superior should have.
Every good leader needs a someone great to back her up (and vie for her job). Sister Mary Hubert (Elinor Blankenship) is a strong-willed nun with only one goal in mind: to be the leading sister at Mt. Saint Helen’s. Blankenship’s delivery has the audience rolling in the aisles. (I’m pretty sure I heard some snort laughter happening.) Her vocals fill the theater with her clear and strong voice bringing strength to the cast. She connects with her cohorts onstage in a way that makes the audience want to be her friend as well. Blankenship has a way of making everyone in the room feel her light and warmth, especially those privileged to perform with her.
Sister Robert Anne (Breanne Hendricks) is light-hearted and has a worldly perspective that the other nuns don’t possess. Hendricks brings an energy to the stage and her personality fills the room. Her vocal talents are featured in many numbers including “Playing Second Fiddle” and “I Just Want to Be a Star” where her rapid-fire vocals are solid and impressive. Hendricks has great chemistry with her co-stars creating a sense of ease onstage.
Emily Richards makes the audience fall in love with her from the moment she finally appears onstage. Playing Sister Mary Amnesia, a sweet and forgetful member of the convent, Richards adds the perfect personality to this cast. She is multi-talented in music and dance and is even given a chance to use her skill as a ventriloquist during the number “So You Want to Be a Nun,” which pokes fun at her chosen vocation. Her audience interaction during “The Quiz” is just the thing needed to help the audience really become engrossed in the story. The interaction continues throughout the performance and is a perfect balance of performance and comedy.
Seante Nielson rounds out this talented cast as Sister Mary Leo. Nielson brings a calm to the bunch as the youngest nun in the group. She gets to show off her talent as a vocalist and dancer in the number “Benedicte.” Her tapping skills are also featured in “Clean Out the Freezer” where her natural talent shines through. Nielson’s many talents are a joy to watch onstage as her joy of performing is evident.
Nunsense at Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse in Ogden, Utah is a delight for the whole family. The music and comedy are habit forming, so be sure to catch this show early because you’ll want to return for more laughter and light-hearted fun.
Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse presents Nunsense, Book, Music, and Lyrics by Dan Goggin.
Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse, 99 E. 4700 S. Washington Terrace, UT 84405
December 31, 2019-February 8, 2020, 7:30 PM, Monday, Friday-Saturday
Tickets: $10-$17
Contact: 801-393-0070
Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse Facebook Page
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