Nunsense sequel simply divine
Review by Patty Stewart
Special to the Citizen
Heaven help us, the nuns are back in town and they're putting on an absolutely hilarious show at the Prince George Playhouse.
In the rollicking production Nunsense 2: The Second Coming, the nuns are brighter, bolder and bawdier than ever before.
Judy Russell and the Enchainement Studio have brought back the little sisters from Hoboken, New Jersey, Mount. St. Helen's School.
The story is nothing but fluffy fun, and that's part of what makes the night so enjoyable.
But what really steals the show are the performances by the five leading ladies — all extremely talented vocalists and dancers with comedic abilities that grab the spotlight.
Played by Catherine Hansen-McCarthy, Sister Robert Ann, also known as Sister Bob, is a street-savvy Brooklyn girl, the unofficial hit-man of the convent, ready to take on any threat with her fists, followed by prayers from Reverend Mother. Her standout number, I am Here to Stay, is a vocal triumph, with hilarious touches.
Sister Mary Leo, played by Kelsey Wheatley, longs for the life of a ballerina, but is forbidden to wear a tutu. In the absolutely uproarious number, The Prima Ballerina, she dons roller skates, all the while singing her heart out. Wheatley's voice is beautiful — clear, controlled, strong and very sweet.
Simmering on the sidelines is Sister Mary Hubert, played by Sandra Clermont. The tall, beanpole straight, combat boot-wearing sister is frustrated with her position as second banana to Reverend Mother, but too holy to really lash out. Clermont's best work of the night comes during the soulful Only One Way to End Your Prayers.
Judy Wiebe brings just the right touch of decorum, with a strong stage presence, and exquisite diction, to the role of the Reverend Mother, a former circus performer.
Robin Norman is a wonderful Sister Mary Amnesia. It's guaranteed guffaws when Norman appears herter read sequin cowboy hat, white boots, strumming a guitar to The Country Nun.
Val Stanley, Keith Poulin and Naomi Kavka provide perfect accompaniment, and as with all Russell productions, the set was clever and visually entertaining.
Judy Russell has found an audience winner in the Nunsense productions and it's not just because of the great music and performances. It's the comedy that they have cornered and mastered, and that's what makes Nunsense 2 such a treat.
Nunsense 2 runs through Jan. 20. Tickets are available Studio 2880.
Special to the Citizen
Heaven help us, the nuns are back in town and they're putting on an absolutely hilarious show at the Prince George Playhouse.
In the rollicking production Nunsense 2: The Second Coming, the nuns are brighter, bolder and bawdier than ever before.
Judy Russell and the Enchainement Studio have brought back the little sisters from Hoboken, New Jersey, Mount. St. Helen's School.
The story is nothing but fluffy fun, and that's part of what makes the night so enjoyable.
But what really steals the show are the performances by the five leading ladies — all extremely talented vocalists and dancers with comedic abilities that grab the spotlight.
Played by Catherine Hansen-McCarthy, Sister Robert Ann, also known as Sister Bob, is a street-savvy Brooklyn girl, the unofficial hit-man of the convent, ready to take on any threat with her fists, followed by prayers from Reverend Mother. Her standout number, I am Here to Stay, is a vocal triumph, with hilarious touches.
Sister Mary Leo, played by Kelsey Wheatley, longs for the life of a ballerina, but is forbidden to wear a tutu. In the absolutely uproarious number, The Prima Ballerina, she dons roller skates, all the while singing her heart out. Wheatley's voice is beautiful — clear, controlled, strong and very sweet.
Simmering on the sidelines is Sister Mary Hubert, played by Sandra Clermont. The tall, beanpole straight, combat boot-wearing sister is frustrated with her position as second banana to Reverend Mother, but too holy to really lash out. Clermont's best work of the night comes during the soulful Only One Way to End Your Prayers.
Judy Wiebe brings just the right touch of decorum, with a strong stage presence, and exquisite diction, to the role of the Reverend Mother, a former circus performer.
Robin Norman is a wonderful Sister Mary Amnesia. It's guaranteed guffaws when Norman appears herter read sequin cowboy hat, white boots, strumming a guitar to The Country Nun.
Val Stanley, Keith Poulin and Naomi Kavka provide perfect accompaniment, and as with all Russell productions, the set was clever and visually entertaining.
Judy Russell has found an audience winner in the Nunsense productions and it's not just because of the great music and performances. It's the comedy that they have cornered and mastered, and that's what makes Nunsense 2 such a treat.
Nunsense 2 runs through Jan. 20. Tickets are available Studio 2880.

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