Nunsense II: Back in Habit at Limelight
The funny nuns from Nunsense are back on stage at Limelight Theatre (WA) in June 2014 in the sequel to their first musical comedy.
Written by Dan Goggin, Nunsense II: The Second Coming takes place six weeks after the sisters have staged their first benefit concert.
Bitten by the theatre bug, the nuns, now slicker performers, present a thank you show for people who have supported them.
Things get off to a rousing start but chaos soon erupts when Sister Mary Amnesia wins the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes and holds a riotous bingo game while the nuns believe a talent scout may also be in the audience.
Director Karen Tropiano said although Nunsense II: The Second Coming is a sequel, people don’t need to have seen the original to get the gist of the show.
“I directed Nunsense in 2009 and it was a resounding success,” she said [the show was runner-up for best musical at the annual Finley Awards and best production at the yearly Limelight Theatre awards]. “I have always wanted to do the sequel and am thrilled to be directing it.
“I’m lucky to have tracked down the original cast – they’re ecstatic about dusting off their habits and performing the same characters in a new story.
“I also have the same musical director, choreographer and lighting operator, who are all as enthusiastic as the cast.
“The camaraderie was fantastic the first time around and even better this time with all of us having a ball.”
Tropiano describes Nunsense II: The Second Coming as a musical “full of fun and hilarity” with five nuns entertaining in their individual ways.
“There are a few surprises in store because audience participation is an imperative part of the show,” she said.
Performing with Limelight and Stirling Theatres for more than 20 years, Tropiano has also directed numerous plays including Secret Bridesmaids’ Business, Play On, Lend Me A Tenor and Abigail’s Party.
In 2012, she directed Cash On Delivery, named one of the top 10 plays of the year at the Finley Awards, also winning an award for its washing machine effect.
“Because the original Nunsense was so successful my challenge this time around is to make sure the sequel is of the same standard,” she said.
“We are well into rehearsal and by having the same cast and crew I am confident it will be.”
Nunsense II: The Second Comingplays at 8pm, June 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26 and 27 with 2pm matinees June 14 and 21.
Tickets are $32, $27 concession and $21 children – book on 9571 8591 between 9am and midday, Monday to Friday, or at www.limelighttheatre.com.
Limelight Theatre is located on Civic Drive, Wanneroo.
Images: (from top) Mahalia Bowles (Sister Mary Leo) left, Alida Chaney (Sister Bob), Shelley McGinn (Sister Mary Regina), Jane Anderson (Sister Mary Hubert) and Jen Edwards (Sister Amnesia); Sister Amnesia (Jen Edwards, right) puts her ventriloquism skills to the test with puppet Sister Marion-ette, much to the amusement of Sister Bob (Alida Chaney) and Sister Mary Regina (Shelley McGinn); Mahalia Bowles, left, Jen Edwards, Shelley McGinn, Jane Anderson and Alida Chaney – and Sister Marion-ette.
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