BWW Reviews: NUNSENSE is a Hoot at the O.C.'s Mysterium Theater

The second longest-running off-Broadway show in history, NUNSENSE is not only a silly, madcap farce, but a truly adorable, heartwarming little gem of a musical. With its final performances playing at the Mysterium Theater in Orange, CA through June 19, NUNSENSE will have you laughing until your cheeks hurt.

The brainchild of Dan Goggin, NUNSENSE began life as a series of popular greeting cards before it was expanded into a full-fledged off-Broadway musical hit in late 1985 that eventually ran for 3,672 performances (the TV adaptations of the show and its first sequel NUNSENSE II: THE SECOND COMING later starred the late Rue McClanahan as Mother Superior). This darling musical is set in Hoboken, New Jersey where tragedy has struck. 52 of the sisters have suddenly died because of a poisonous batch of vichyssoise, concocted by their resident cook Sister Julia, Child of God. Although Mother Superior Mary Regina (Maureen Laurence) came up with a highly-successful fundraiser to fund all those nun burials, they came up short—primarily because the Mother Superior wanted to buy a Wii Fit gaming console and a flat screen HDTV for the convent.

Now, five of the surviving 19 nuns from the order of the Little Sisters of Hoboken have decided to put on a benefit variety show at the neighboring Mount Saint Helen's School auditorium. Their goal is to raise enough money to fund the proper burial of four remaining fellow sisters, who at the moment are being "stored" in the convent's giant meat freezer.

Each sister has her own uniquely quirky personality, all wanting a piece of the spotlight. There's Sister Mary Hubert (Jacquelyn Levy at this performance), Mother Superior's right-hand nun, whose frequent expression of "I told you so" to the Mother Superior reveals her inner wish to be the order's leader. There's Sister Mary Leo (Lyndie Renee at this performance) a novice with serious ballet skills. Then there's Sister Mary Amnesia (Sharon Frasier at this performance) a lovable airhead who can't seem to remember who she is after a crucifix falls and knocks her unconscious. Finally, there's Sister Robert Anne (played by the show's absolute scene-stealer Lindsay Henkenius), the snarky, slightly naughty nun who grew up in the streets of Brooklyn. She's quite a rule-breaker, only because as the charge of young students, she knows that she needs funnier ways to keep their attention. (Three of the roles are played alternately by other actors on different performance nights).

Each nun shines in their respective solo moments, presented with one insanely amusing situation after another. The cast (most of whom, save for one or two, are played wonderfully by actresses of a certain age) all have nice singing voices, brilliant comic timing and the clever ability to play their characters' quirks with no abandon. Their gusto is palpable and the improvisation works seamlessly with scripted moments. Carlos Martin's direction allows for such unscripted moments to burst off organically, and the fun choreography by both Martin and Kami Seymour is spry yet age-appropriate enough for the ladies dancing out the moves. Though every single actress is quite great in their parts, Henkenius' downright hilarious take on Sister Robert Anne easily captures most of the audience's affections.

Hardly a comedy at the expense of the Catholic church, NUNSENSE instead actually comes off as an endearing, lovely ode to the ladies with habits. There's plenty of slapstick and several memorable musical ditties. A few double-entendre moments catches you off-guard, but only adds to the overall hysterical nature of this show. The smaller, intimate performance space encourages interactions and audience participation (which at times, are even provoked by the actors themselves—there's a quiz portion and even an impromptu contest and talent search).

The curiously surprising theater space in the back of the Mysterium Center (which houses a new-age store) itself adds to the comedy. In one moment, Sister Robert Anne actually mentions the funny juxtaposition of NUNSENSE against the backdrop of crystals, tarot card readings, dragon sculptures and incense. The nuns are here to spread some good, old-fashioned Catholic fun, she declares, despite their proximity to "our fine pagan friends next door."

Other than a few minor curious scene transitions in the script (actors seem to leave haphazardly in order for others to have solos or duets), NUNSENSE is full of mirth and will have you laughing for its entire running time. Who knew nuns could be such bawdy broads?

Photo courtesy of the Mysterium Theater.

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Tickets to remaining performances of NUNSENSE (ending June 19) at the new Mysterium Theater are available by calling 714-602-7975. Tickets are $15 General Admission and $12 for Students, Seniors, and the Military. The Mysterium is located at 3122 E. Chapman Ave. in Orange. For more information visit www.mysteriumshop.com.