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"Nunsense" became a valley institution in the early '90s when the now-defunct Actor's Lab ran it ad infinitum until practically every person in the metropolitan area had seen it at least once. It's been a few years, now, since it finally closed, but the lingering memory of that production (one which I, admittedly, did not attend) lives on, and will, for some people, color their opinion of all future productions. If, though, you were one of the few who did not catch it during its lengthy run, or would like to revisit the "Little Sisters of Hoboken" as they raise money to bury their dead, ASU's Lyric Opera Theatre has brought back the delightful show once more. One warning: apparently, this production is not quite as "professional" as the one that Actor's Lab put up. My companion for opening night had seen the show before, and she couldn't help but make comparisons.
There are automatically many problems with ASU putting up this show, which centers on the hilarious fund-raiser given by the Little Sisters of Hoboken to bury the last of their accidentally poisoned members after a mutant form of botulism wreaks havoc in the convent. Not the least of these problems is the fact that all of the performers (there are actually two different casts because of production requirements for students to graduate) are much-too- young for their roles. Director Dale Dreyfoos has decided not to age the actresses with makeup, save for one very necessary part, and judging from the much-too-obvious makeup design used by Carol Simmons for that one person (Wendy Mullen as the personality- challenged Sister Mary Martin), it was a good choice.
Also difficult to buy was Mr. Dreyfoos directorial choice to have the actresses, all very professional and talented with expansive acting and singing abilities, act very amateurish until the last scenes of the show. While it is necessary for these nuns to seem a tad inept, the seeming lack of acting and dancing abilities (with choreography by April Monte, who is in the cast three nights out of the seven that the show runs) was of such an extreme, and contrasted so markedly with the wonderful voices that every actress on the stage has, that it drew undue attention to itself.
Despite these problems, the evening shined. The script by Dan Goggin is very funny, and has great in-jokes for Catholics and "heathens" alike. The ensemble cast worked very well together, despite the heavy-handed direction, and sang their songs with the voices of a heavenly choir. Notable in this talented cast were Jennifer Raithel as Sister Mary Amnesia, the young nun without a memory of her identity after a cross fell on her, and Myiia Watson-Davis as Sister Mary Hubert, who sings a raucous song to end the show on an upbeat tempo. Depending on the night that you attend, though, these parts may well be played by two other actresses.
Of particular note is the wonderful music direction of Ren Anderton, who managed to modulate the orchestra wonderfully and never overwhelmed the actresses. Also impressive was John Autore's scenic design and Paul Estes lighting design, which realistically re-created the aging gymnasium at the Mount Saint Helen's school near the convent. Robin Coates' sound design did seem to have a few rough spots, and Esther Turner's costuming did get a bit repetitious after the first act, but neither severely handicapped the show.
One other note; Lyric Opera Theatre opening night patrons will always be treated to a resplendent reception after the show, hosted by the Lyric Opera Theatre Guild. The chance to mingle with audience, cast and crew afterward is reason enough to attend LOT's opening night productions.
As the common disclaimer goes, certain allowances must be given for educational theatre. Despite the problems inherent in age-casting, the talent that ASU and the Lyric Opera Theatre offer definitely off-sets any problems that their youthful appearance creates. If you'd like to see the stars of the future while you can still afford to pay for the tickets without taking out a second mortgage, drop by any performance of "Nunsense."
Production Details:
"Nunsense" by Dan Goggin
Lyric Opera Theatre
ASU Music Theatre, Tempe
965-6447
October 4-October 13, 1996
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