Review: Missing Arundel Barn’s ‘Nunsations’ is Nonsense (Aug. 8, 2008)
By Laurie DuPaul
Special to the Post
Be ready as the production of “Nunsensations! The Nunsense Las Vegas Show” directed by Dewayne Barrett comes to the Arundel Barn Playhouse located off Route 1 in Arundel. The stage is set as “The Flamingo Lounge” in Las Vegas, Nev. with the orchestra being front and center stage. Nolan Boulouvoir, the musical director and pianist; Michael Dion, percussionist; and Sarah Shapiro, bassist, lead off as the sisters enter and engage the audience.
Belinda Woodsum, costume designer, has taken the traditional habit and adorned it throughout the play with bright colorful feathers, hats, and enhancements. During the musical number, “Cirque du Blimp,” performed by the whole cast, Reverend Mother (Bethany Wagner) is portrayed as “The Hindenburg” with the blimp embellishing her hat. Wagner amused the audience as Mrs. Meers in Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Throughout the production, the sisters interact with the audience with a game of Wheel of Fortune, humor, and song. Some of the musical numbers are serious telling the stories of the sisters such as “I Left Him There,” sung by Sister Mary Leo (Monica Willey). Willey, a Maine native, who delighted the audience as Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” continues to capture the viewers. Sister Robert Anne (Rebecca Cesario) seen as Millie in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” charms the audience with her antics as she sings “Why Sing a Ballad.”
New acronyms will be added to your vocabulary as you learn “T and A” is for talent and attitude. Much to the disapproval of Reverend Mother (Wagner) not all in Las Vegas is pure. During the play, Reverend Mother (Wagner) admits to once being in a show that was not so innocent. The sisters dance and sing of her experience in “The Fifth From the Right,” that is a little “naughty.” Another musical number, “T. T. M. ‘n R.,” performed by all of the sisters wearing different hats reminds the audience of the “Village People” as the sisters learn the true meaning of their plight and decide to “take the money and run.”
This will be the last time this summer to see Rebecca Cesario, Katharine McEnery, Katie Mulholland, Bethany Wagner and Monica Willey. All summer they have brought exceptional entertainment and talent to the Arundel Playhouse. There is one last production of the season coming up, “Always…Patsy Cline” and Laura Cook as Patsy Cline is already preparing for the season’s finale.
The show runs through Saturday, Aug. 16. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., with Wednesday matinees at 2 p.m. and a Friday matinee on Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. and one Sunday 8 p.m. performance on August 10.
Prices remain the same as 2007 ranging from $24 to $35. For prepaid reservations and information, call 985-5552.
Special to the Post
Be ready as the production of “Nunsensations! The Nunsense Las Vegas Show” directed by Dewayne Barrett comes to the Arundel Barn Playhouse located off Route 1 in Arundel. The stage is set as “The Flamingo Lounge” in Las Vegas, Nev. with the orchestra being front and center stage. Nolan Boulouvoir, the musical director and pianist; Michael Dion, percussionist; and Sarah Shapiro, bassist, lead off as the sisters enter and engage the audience.
Belinda Woodsum, costume designer, has taken the traditional habit and adorned it throughout the play with bright colorful feathers, hats, and enhancements. During the musical number, “Cirque du Blimp,” performed by the whole cast, Reverend Mother (Bethany Wagner) is portrayed as “The Hindenburg” with the blimp embellishing her hat. Wagner amused the audience as Mrs. Meers in Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Throughout the production, the sisters interact with the audience with a game of Wheel of Fortune, humor, and song. Some of the musical numbers are serious telling the stories of the sisters such as “I Left Him There,” sung by Sister Mary Leo (Monica Willey). Willey, a Maine native, who delighted the audience as Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” continues to capture the viewers. Sister Robert Anne (Rebecca Cesario) seen as Millie in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” charms the audience with her antics as she sings “Why Sing a Ballad.”
New acronyms will be added to your vocabulary as you learn “T and A” is for talent and attitude. Much to the disapproval of Reverend Mother (Wagner) not all in Las Vegas is pure. During the play, Reverend Mother (Wagner) admits to once being in a show that was not so innocent. The sisters dance and sing of her experience in “The Fifth From the Right,” that is a little “naughty.” Another musical number, “T. T. M. ‘n R.,” performed by all of the sisters wearing different hats reminds the audience of the “Village People” as the sisters learn the true meaning of their plight and decide to “take the money and run.”
This will be the last time this summer to see Rebecca Cesario, Katharine McEnery, Katie Mulholland, Bethany Wagner and Monica Willey. All summer they have brought exceptional entertainment and talent to the Arundel Playhouse. There is one last production of the season coming up, “Always…Patsy Cline” and Laura Cook as Patsy Cline is already preparing for the season’s finale.
The show runs through Saturday, Aug. 16. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., with Wednesday matinees at 2 p.m. and a Friday matinee on Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. and one Sunday 8 p.m. performance on August 10.
Prices remain the same as 2007 ranging from $24 to $35. For prepaid reservations and information, call 985-5552.
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