BWW Reviews: NUNSENSE - Feisty Nuns Raising Hell At The Engeman

Nunsense, by Dan Goggin, playing at the John W. Engeman Theatre of Northport, is certainly a treat. It was never on Broadway per se', but has lead a very successful almost three decade life off-Broadway and at local theatres. Running through September 8th at the stunning Long Island venue, this production is all about fun.

Antoinette DiPietropolo directs the hilarious cast that includes Inga Ballard, Marie Danvers (B-Ways Phantom Of The Opera), Gwendolyn F. Jones, Brittany Ross, and Kristina Teschner with Erin McCracken and ERIN RAQUEL GARCIA divvying up the understudy duties.

The show tells the story of the Little Sisters of Hoboken who produce a variety show. You see, one of their sisters, who we don't meet, accidently poisons and kill all but five women of the convent. I know THAT doesn't sound like fun, but trust me. Initially, they raise funds via a successful greeting card company for their burials (Nunsense actually originated as a line of greeting cards). However, they ran out of money when Mother Regina, portrayed brilliantly by Ms. Jones, brought the convent an iPad - among other things - thinking there was enough money leaving four of their sisters unburied. So, they put on a variety show for the extra money which is what we're seeing as an audience.

By the way... nuns with an iPad? In a thirty year old play? Yes, indeed. Mr. Goggin has written this story so it could be told in present day. Mr. Goggin even sometimes tailors the script for the theatre that is producing the show. For example, I walked into the theatre and saw the set for South Pacific, their last show. Another theatre may use their sets and references to their previous show. Also, some of the lyrics were switched to include familiar Long Island names and offices.

But I digress, back to the incredible cast.

There was an abundance of audience interaction. In fact, the audience was acknowledged the majority of the two act musical. Just before the show started, the cast, in character, walked around chatting with people. This is in addition to a "quiz" conducted by the adorable Sister Mary Amnesia (Ms. Ross) that required the audience to participate. The sold out audience enthusiastically obliged. She also did a hilarious version of "So You Want To Be A Nun" with a foul mouth puppet ala' Avenue Q.

Inga Ballard portrayed Sister Mary Hubert. She was delightfully sassy and an audience favorite was her energetic rendition of "Holier Than Thou". Sister Hubert is Mother Regina's right had woman and Ms. Ballard and Ms. Jones seemed to be having a great time on stage.

Portraying aspiring actress Sister Robert Anne was Marie Danvers. She was particularly ecstatic to open Act Two finally having a starring role. This is in addition to having several of the fun numbers in the second half of the show. She rightfully received a rousing round of applause at her performance of "I Just Want to Be a Star".

And to complete the wonderful cast, Ms. Teschner portrayed Sister Mar Leo, who is determined to become the world's first ballerina nun. She even has several pieces in the show to show off her beautiful ballet dancing during "Benedictine" and "Soups On (The Dying Nun Ballet)".

And so it seems, per usual, The Engeman has another wonderful hit on their hands with Nunsense. It is a hilarious show with a wonderful cast to mark a fun evening. Without a doubt these feisty nuns will surely lift your spirits - it even says so on the playbill.

Nunsense is presented by the John W. Engeman Theatre in Northport through September 8th. Created by Dan Goggin, Direction and Choreography by Antoinette DiPietropolo, Costumes by Lauren Paragallo, Lighting Design by Michael Visco, Sound Design by Laura Frey, Hair and Make-Up by Mark Adam Rampmeyer, Casting by Stephen DeAngelis, Stage Management by Michelle Hines. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

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