Review: NUNSENSE at Theatre Three

The hooting, hollering, and Hail Marying the other evening at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson was for the fabulous five sisters of Hoboken in a rousing production of Dan Goggin's "Nunsense!" This holy ensemble features some of the most talented actresses on Long Island who sing, dance and pray their way right into our heart and funnybone.

"Nunsense" began as an Off-Broadway musical and became a worldwide sensation featuring numerous celebrities and leading to numerous sequels. The original "Nunsense" played thousands of performances and is still going strong in every theater community. It seems Sister Julia Child of God has accidentally poisoned the convent and the fab five are raising funds via talent show benefit to bury the remaining sisters being temporarily stored in the freezer. With the health inspector on the way, time is growing short and a miracle is desperately needed. Miraculously, in showbiz tradition, all's well that ends well.

Each sister has their magic moment in the spotlight throughout the enchanting evening. Phyllis March leads the troop as a marvelous Mother Superior. She is a hysterical mistress of ceremonies who keeps each rousing number moving along while radiating comical brilliance. TracyLynn Conner as Sister Mary Amnesia is not only very funny but has the most beautiful soprano voice. All she had to do was innocently smile with her puzzled grin and the crowd went wild!

Jessica Contino is an excellent Sister Mary Leo and a terrific dancer as well. She is the novice of the convent and looks up to her fellow sisters for guidance. Linda May as Sister Mary Hubert had us in stitches before the show even began and ultimately brought down the house with the energetic gospel finale "Holier Than Thou." She's definitely on her way to be the next Mother Superior someday!

Finally, the showstopper award goes to Sari Feldman as Sister Robert Anne. She's the Coke bottle drinking nun from Canarsie who just wants to be part of the gang. The poor thing tries and tries to get it right and has us rooting for her the whole way. Ms. Feldman is a triple threat who also expertly choreographed the production. She is a superb singer, magnificent comedienne, and delivers an outstanding performance.

The "Nunsense" band was perfect and kudos to dynamite director Jeffrey Sanzel for choosing the best and brightest to bring his production to life. The next time Sister Julia Child of God needs a recipe for success, all she has to do is call on her five shining stars, especially Ms. Feldman, to give us an unforgettable night in the theater.

Nunsense is presented by Theatre Three Productions located in Port Jefferson, NY. Book, Music and Lyrics by Dan Goggin. Scenic Designs by Randall Parsons, Lighting Design Robert W. Henderson, Jr., Film by Ray Mason and Jeffrey Sanzel, Costume Design Teresa Matteson, Sound Manager Steven Uihlein, Stage Manager Melissa Troxler, Choreographed by Sari Feldman, Musical Direction by Steve McCoy, Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel

Starring: Phyllis March, Linda May, Sari Feldman, TracyLynn Conner, Jessica Contino

For more and for tickets: www.theatrethree.com or by calling: 631-928-9100. Nunsense will run from February 24, 2018-March 24, 2018 on the Mainstage.

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