SCT’s holiday edition of ‘Nunsense’ franchise offers delightful evening

December 7, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

By Eric McCrea

Salem

’Tis the season for holiday-themed pageantry, and the Salem Community Theatre doesn’t let us down. Their latest staging, “Nuncrackers,” is the fourth title in the “Nunsense” series. In this sequel, we find the same penguin-esque ladies filming a public-access special, accompanied by a slew of young students.

Led, as usual, by the intrepid and fastidious Reverend Mother Regina (Sue Volmar), the sisters plan to perform “The Nutcracker.” With the assistance of second-in-command Sister Mary Hubert, played by Julie Benner, and the silent role of the stage manager (Brien Whitehill), things seem to be right on track for a successful show. Unfortunately, Sister Mary Leo, played briefly by Connie Baer, suffers an injury backstage, curtailing her dream of being a ballerina. The remaining cast must scramble to find a way to fill her void, hopefully without the assistance of the blasphemous puppet, Sister Mary Annette. In the meantime, the convent members share stories and songs about what Christmas means to them, giving Sister Robert Anne (Allyson DePanicis) a chance to showcase her instrumental talent. When Sister Julia is absent, Father Virgil, played by DJ DePanicis, steps in to cover her cooking segment with a little help from the captain. The plot thickens when the gifts disappear from under the tree. Luckily, Sister Mary Paul, AKA Sister Amnesia (Jody Lewis) is able to solve that mystery.

Like its predecessors, “Nuncrackers” includes some audience participation. If you’re lucky enough, you may get to be involved in the sisters’ secret Santa, but if not, everyone gets to participate in the sing-along.

Director/choreographer Joanna Andrei has put together a delightful two hours of family fun. Though “Nunsense” episodes tend to have some subtle adult dialogue, in “Nuncrackers” such language is minimal, and most of the jokes appeal to all age brackets.

As the woman in charge, Volmar had a few issues with lines, but given the role, it added a grandmotherly deliberateness that played well.

Benner had great comic timing, like an aunt who’s way more fun than your parents. Her nauseous reaction was especially hilarious.

The bubbly Lewis was delightful and charming, the perfect choice to handle the secret Santa.

Allyson DePanicis was perfect as the feisty Robert Anne. “Nuncrackers” in particular was a great venue for her many talents.

DJ DePanicis was a bit green on stage, but his enthusiasm more than compensated for it. His cooking vignette was notably knee-slapping.

A special acknowledgement goes out to the adorably entertaining ensemble of Mount Saint Helen’s most talented students; Carter Romine, Abbie Witherstine, Megan Gromley, Paige Whitehill, Kaden Chambers, Melissa Kerner, Alyssa Brown and Lilly Andrei. Bright futures are in store for all of them.

Though this show isn’t the most dramatic or powerful of SCT’s season, it’s a great way to spend some light-hearted holiday time with loved ones. If you haven’t seen the previous “Nunsense” installments, fret not. The script keeps you completely up to speed.

“Nuncrackers” runs today and next Sunday at 2 p.m and at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For reservations call 330-332-9688.