NEW CASTLE Musical gets into habit of humor

In 'Nunsense,' a convent tries to raise some money after a dining disaster.
By GARRY L. CLARK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The Little Sisters of Hoboken returned to the area Friday night in New Castle Playhouse's production of the musical "Nunsense."
The hilarious musical is always a treat, as it takes a funny, sometimes irreverent view of growing up Catholic that will appeal to people of all backgrounds.
The sisters are putting on a variety-talent show at their school, Mount St. Helen's, to raise money for a worthy cause: It seems that the convent cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, served up some vichyssoise that got the convent in the soup. Botulism caused the dish to become the last supper for 52 members of the order.
The five remaining sisters discovered the culinary catastrophe upon returning from bingo, and have seen to the burial arrangements for 48 of the unfortunate nuns.
The remaining four, however, are temporarily at rest in the convent freezer because of a lack of money for their burials.
This, of course, is not sitting too well with Sister Julia (who apparently fasted during that meal) nor with the board of health as they aren't impressed with the sisters' claim that nuns "rise and shine."
Cast
Gloria Little as the Reverend Mother was perfectly cast as the exuberant giggling nun who runs things around the convent.
Her rendition of "Turn Up the Spotlight" was especially funny as were her antics when she was accidentally drugged.
Her cohort in covering this up was Cyndi Weichey as Sister Hubert, Mistress of Novices. Weichey hit her stride early on, culminating in her excellent singing of "Holier Than Thou."
Sandra Reigal as Sister Robert Anne, a streetwise nun who longs for a higher place (especially on the stage), was superb as she turned her veil into a classic comedy routine. Her explanation of her background in the streets was also highly amusing.
The role of Sister Amnesia (her situation is self-explanatory) was played by Stephanie Cambro Holt in a wonderfully ditzy voice and demeanor.
She was especially funny during the quiz scene and when she brought out her "helper," Sister Mary Annette.
Rounding out the cast as Sister Leo, a novice, was Courtney McNeely, whose ballet talents were obvious as well as her beautiful high soprano voice, which she used to perfect comic effect. Her "Dying Nun" scene was spectacular.
Behind the scenes
Michael Cavalier has assembled a perfect cast for this show, as each cast member turned in a stellar performance.
Set design by Jack Hanna gave a just-right impression of a school hall, complete with half-tiled walls and lockers.
Choreography by Julie Garda and musical direction by Maura Fornataro were also well above par.
As the Good Book says, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." So take a pilgrimage to New Castle Playhouse and get a great big dose of merriment.
clark@vindy.com