This week, Cincinnati Landmark Productions’ Nunsense is now playing at the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts. Nunsense is a hit musical spoof about the misadventures of five star-struck, singing, dancing nuns.
The Story of Nunsense
Nunsense features show stopping numbers performed by a cast of five leading ladies that fill the stage with energy and enthusiasm. (Sadly, the rest of the sisterhood died from botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared by Sister Julia Child of God.) The remaining nuns – ballet-loving Sister Leo (Cassidy Perme), streetwise Sister Robert Anne (Karli Smith), befuddled Sister Mary Amnesia (Anna Kahle), the Mother Superior Sister Regina (Diana Rogers), and mistress of the novices Sister Mary Hubert (Annie Schneider)– stage a wildly off-kilter talent show to raise the money to bury their dearly departed. With catchy songs and irresistible comedy, Nunsense is sure to keep you rolling with laughter. Nunsense is habit-forming!
Performances
Annie Schneider’s performance as Sister Hubert is the glue of this production. She brings a genuine strength that adds contrast to the over-the-top antics of the other nuns. Don’t let the motherly demeanor of her character fool you. Schneider pulls out incredible vocals, leading the most memorable song of the production, Holier Than Thou.
Each member of the sisterhood has stand out moments throughout the production. Cassidy Perme as Sister Mary Leo brings not only powerful vocals to the show but also fills the stage with her eye-catching dance skills. She brings to life the wide-eyed optimism of the novice Sister Mary Leo in such a believable way. Karlie Smith as Sister Robert Anne provides incredible comedic relief throughout the entire production. Her portrayal of the “streetwise” Sister Robert Anne adds a layer of hilarity you may not expect from someone in the sisterhood.
Stand out numbers in the production include Holier Than Thou which provides the “take you to church moment” that you crave in this show and Tackle That Temptation with a Time Step, because who doesn’t love a tap number!
Plot and Leadership
Although Nunsense is a huge show, there are still some patrons that might not be familiar with the story. This show features amazing amounts of audience participation. While laughing at the hilarity that ensues onstage you can also become a part of the production. Immediately upon entering the theatre you are greeted by the Sisters themselves. You may experience Sister Mary Leo guiding you to your seat or perhaps Sister Hubert ensuring that you are comfortable. You might even be greeted with a joke from Sister Robert Anne. This immediately immerses the audience in the atmosphere that you will experience the entire evening. Expect quizzes and questions from nuns, call and response sections, and the opportunity to be a part of one of the many jokes of the evening.
Director, Douglas Berlon has taken great care to create an environment where you truly feel you are at a fundraiser and not just spending a night at the theatre. This experience is furthered by Molly Sexton’s choreography which perfectly encapsulates something the nuns would have been able to come up with themselves. Creating choreography for a production where the final product should look like amateurs created it is an incredibly hard line to walk. Sexton shows her skills. She is able to create show stopping numbers that thrill audiences and showcase the actors’ talents while keeping audiences in the story.
Overall
Overall, the production is a good time. If you want an evening full of laughter and entertainment–this is the show for you! The immersive experience combined with the hilarity of the material makes for a great night at the theater.
Tickets to Nunsense
Nunsense runs through October 6th 2024 at the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts located at 4990 Glenway Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45238. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, online at HTTPS://WWW.CINCINNATILANDMARKPRODUCTIONS.COM/, or by calling 513-241-6550.
