Salem theater presents a ‘Nunsense’ for holiday

Staff report

SALEM

The fictional Sisters of the Mount Saint Helen Convent return to the Salem Community Theater stage this weekend for a production of “Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical.”

The show opens Friday and runs for six performances over two weekends.

With the book, music and lyrics written by Dan Goggin, the fourth installment of the popular “Nunsense” series of stage productions presents the nuns’ first TV special, supposedly being taped in the cable-access studio built by Reverend Mother in the convent basement.

All of the nuns from pervious “Nunsense” shows appear in the holiday story, plus Father Virgil Manly Trott, played by David Depanicis of Alliance, and nine of Mount Saint Helen’s most talented students.

Playing the nuns are stage veterans Sue Volmar as Reverend Mother Regina, Julie Benner as Sister Mary Hubert, Allison Oyster as the street-savvy Sister Robert Anne, and Jody Lewis as Sister Mary Paul (Sister Amnesia). Connie Baer plays the would-be ballerina, Sister Mary Leo.

“Nuncrackers” features all new songs, including “Twelve Days Prior to Christmas,” Santa Ain’t Comin’ to Our House,” “We Three Kings of Orient Are Us” and “It’s Better to Give than to Receive.” The show has the typical “Nunsense” humor, some favorite Christmas Carols, and a “Secret Santa” audience participation segment. A highlight is a spoof on Tchaikovsky’s ballet “Nutcracker Suite” that ends the first act.

The director is Joanna Andrei. The musicians are Ed Phillips and Gary Kekel.

Playing the students are Carter Romine, Melissa Kerner, Abby Witherstine, Megan Gromley, Paige Whitehill, Kaden Chambers, Lilly Andrei, Missy Short and Alyssa Brown.

SCT has presented two of the “Nunsense” shows in the past: the original in 2001 and “Meshuganuns” in 2010.

Curtain times for “Nuncrackers” are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and again Dec. 12 and 13; and 2 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 14. Tickets are $15 ($11 for senior citizens and $8 for students). For reservations, call 330-332-9688. The theater is at 490 E. State St., downtown.