The perfect antidote to the current state of affairs, Metro Theatre presents the hilarious, slapstick musical, Nunsense, until March 21.
One of the longest running and most successful off-Broadway musicals of all time, and certainly the only one adapted from a line of greeting cards, Dan Goggin’s much loved work has spawned six stage sequels as well as spin-offs and TV & Film adaptations.
Nunsense follows five of the Little Sisters of Hoboken, who are forced to stage an emergency fundraiser after a kitchen tragedy, caused by Sister Julia, Child of God, leaves the convent bereft of sisters and facing dire financial straits.
Directed by Shel Piercy, Nunsense returns to Metro Theatre by popular demand after a successful 2022 run, with Meghan Anderssen reprising her role as the loveably laughable Sister Mary Amnesia. Joining her in this cadre of ‘singing nuns’, Jenn Suratos plays the formidable Mother Superior sparring with Paula Higgins as the driven Sister Mary Hubert. Rough and ready, Sister Robert Anne who has seen much in the world is played by Mary Cleaver while Jaclyn Sim plays the naive novice Sister Mary Leo. Bursting from behind their wimples this quintet project enough first-class comedic talent, victorious vocals and divine dance to fill the convent.
Unfolding before us, the incredible ‘sister act’ perform a wonderfully wacky, laugh-out-loud variety show filled with near-panto’esque audience interactions, which elicit many ad-libs from the quick-witted cast. Over the fundraiser’s acts, the sisters reveal their dreams and desires, lay bare their long held rivalries and let surprising talents shine while Dan Goggin’s music and lyrics bring forth delightful song and dance, choreographed by Shelley Stewart Hunt.
photo: Moonrider Productions
Front and centre of the audience, filling the room with ‘sound of music’, Musical Director Carolina Dykstra (with Sarahmae Malinab on Sunday performances) leads the live band which includes Jane Milken, Andrea Fiello, Bruce Fiello, Jennifer Innanen, Andrew Jentka, Chris Q, with Mark Whitmore and Miranda Eve, filling in some performances.
In a time clouded by dreary news, the sisters of Nunsense once again deliver a welcome ‘change of habit’ with two hours of levity and mirth that’s sure to fill the convent’s coffers but also your heart with glee.
Nunsense runs until March 21, 2026 at Metro Theatre, 1370 Marine Drive SW. Visit metrotheatre.com for showtimes and tickets.