Review: NUNSENSE Starring Joyce DeWitt at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse for Delightful Dinner Theatre

Visit the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse to enjoy a delightful show and a delicious meal. The lovely theatre is located on ninety scenic, country acres in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Nunsense, the hit Broadway show, with music and lyrics by Dan Goggin, is now being produced through August 22. It is directed by Don Amorosi, choreographed by Mimi Connell with musical direction and arrangements by Mark Baron. This fast-paced, fun musical comedy features a marvelous cast.

In Nunsense, The Little Sisters of Hoboken was once a missionary order that ran a leper colony in southern France. Returning to the U.S, they settled in New Jersey where they teach at Mount Saint Helen's Catholic School. But when Sister Julia accidently kills many of the nuns with a tainted soup, five remaining sisters, led by Mother Superior Mary Regina, must raise money for proper burials. To do so, they pool their talents and perform a zany variety show in the school's auditorium. Nunsense has jokes that will be well understood by Catholics, yet a broad audience of theatergoers will certainly love this show.

The multi-talented cast brings the Nunsense to life on the Hunterdon stage. It is headlined by stage, screen and television star, Joyce Dewitt as the Mother Superior, Sister Mary Regina. As a former circus performer, she still loves the spotlight. DeWitt is joined on stage by Mari Green as Sister Mary Hubert, the Mistress of Novices; Cassandra Leigh Maguire, the street-wise nun from Brooklyn, Sister Robert Anne; Colleen Campbell as the absent minded, good natured, Sister Mary Amnesia; and Sarah Whiteford as the graceful ballet dancing nun, Sister Mary Leo. Sister Mary Amnesia's audience quiz, Sister Mary Leo's dance segment, and Sister Regina getting high are just some of the many comical scenes that shine bright in the production.

A live band plays on stage and contributes top musicianship and spirit to the show. The performers include Conductor/Bass, Mark Baron; Keyboard 1, June Thomas; Keyboards 2, Gary Ross; Woodwinds, Nelson Hill; and Drums/Percussion, Dave Mohn.

The score for Nunsense is wonderfully performed with song and dance numbers that include "Veni Creator Spiritus" by Sr. Robert Anne & Cast; "Nunsense is Habit Forming" by Cast; "Turn Up the Spotlight" by Reverend Mother; "I Just Want to be a Star" by Sister Robert Anne; "I Could've Gone to Nashville" by Sr. Mary Amnesia; and "Holier than Thou" by Sr. Hubert & Cast.

The Production Staff has done a great job of bringing Nunsense to the stage with costume design by Lore McCarthy; scenic and lighting design by Ken Schwarz; and set construction by John Tjalma and Doug Milne;. The Stage Manager is Mimi Connell and the Assistant Stage Manage is David Seals. The Producer/Production Manager is Ken Schwarz.

Seeing a show at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse is complemented by their dining experience. Luncheon selections include Lemon Pepper Cod, Roast Turkey with Stuffing and Eggplant Rollatini. Dinner selections include Roast Prime Rib of Beef, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce. All meals are served with fresh homemade breads, mixed garden salad, their renowned unlimited dessert buffet, coffee, and tea. Beer and wine is available for an additional fee. While you're there, you can also purchase baked goods that are made on premises and visit the Playhouse boutique, Fabulous Finds.

Whether you're going solo, with your family, or in a group, a visit to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse is sure to be a pleasurable and memorable one.

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse opened its doors in March of 1981. Now with 200 shows later, it has become one of New Jersey's premier dinner theatres. The Playhouse is located at 88 Rt. 173 W., Hampton, New Jersey. Matinee shows for Nunsense are Monday thru Saturday 11:30 am - 3:30 pm., The Saturday Evening show is at 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm., and Sunday Afternoon show at 2:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Call them at 1.800.447.7313 or 1.908.730.8007 and visit https://www.hhplayhouse.com/. Check out the upcoming shows in 2018 at the Playhouse that include Run For Your Wife and Christmas in the Air.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hunterdon Hills Playhouse

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