The musical-comedy Nunsense is now playing at Metro Theatre, bringing peals of laughter to the Marpole neighbourhood until March 27th.
Boone Dog Productions brings Dan Goggins 1985 spoof to the stage with the quintet of talented ‘sisters’ Nancy Herb, Caitriona Murphy, Sarah Mercier, Meghan Anderssen, and Sheryl Anne Wheaton.
Nunsense finds the audience taking part in a charitable review for the convent, as it faces a deadline to raise some much needed funds. Interactions with the audience reflect Nunsense’s start as a cabaret show, bringing added laughs and engagement from the attendees. As the Sisters explain the unusual circumstances which lead to them needing to put on this show, and we quickly realize that we and the sisters will not be taking much, if anything, seriously over the next two hours. Rapid fire, slapstick comedy, and witty upbeat songs fill the two zany acts.
Director Gillian Barber keeps the show tightly moving along while leaving enough rein to make the performances feel natural and spontaneous, updating the show to include commentary on the COVID era, but not forgetting the ample pop-culture references of the decades passed. With the cast filled of skilled stars of Vancouver stages, joined by musical director Shawn Henry (playing church organist Father O Henry), comfortably filling their nuns’ habits, we would would have a hard time knowing the difference between script and any potential ad libs.
Having watched the opening night performance, Nunsense added joy and light to a wet and windy evening. If you get the chance, let the nuns of Nunsense add some joy to your day.
Nunsense runs at Metro Theatre, 1370 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver until March 27, 2022. Tickets and showtimes can be found at metrotheatre.com.