THIS SHOW IS “HABIT” FORMING!
Five nuns dancing and singing in a fund-raiser at Mt. Saint Helens High School can only mean one thing — the Old Lyric Repertory Company (OLRC) is enlightening Logan with the musical “Nunsense.” No doubt the show is habit forming — this marks the second time the popular production has been included in an OLRC season and several of the original cast members return.
The opening run for the musical comedy is slated Thursday, June 20, through Saturday, June 22, at the Caine Lyric Theatre in downtown Logan.
A winner of four Outer Critics Circle Awards, “Nunsense” is about a fund-raiser put on by the Little Sisters of Hoboken in an attempt to raise money to bury sisters accidentally poisoned by the convent cook, Sister Julia. Five offbeat nuns and a small sidekick lead the effort with a variety of song, dance and banter.
According to director Colin Johnson, who is also the OLRC’s producing artistic director, “‘Nunsense’ is pure, zany fun with a great deal of universal humor that will be enjoyed by more than Catholics. The lyrics are sheer genius,” Johnson adds. “The musical ‘Nunsense’ reminds us that those whose religious authority we respect are human beings with childhoods, histories and faults just like you and me. Comedy is the thing that underscores our basic humanity. . . that brings us together as a community and reminds us that no one is superior to anyone else.”
The cast of “Nunsense” combines veteran OLRC members with additional company “converts.” New convent members include Vanessa Ballam Brenchley as Sr. Mary Leo, Edythe Wagstaff as the Reverend Mother and Maribeth Evensen-Henge as Sr. Robert Anne. Carey Hanson revives her role of Sr. Mary Amnesia, as does Jill Hoffmann as Sr. Mary Hubert. The little sidekick, Sister Mary Annette, appears as herself.
“Nunsense” is the creation of Dan Goggin, who wrote the book, music and lyrics, and directed the musical based on nuns he knew and respected as a child. The concept of “Nunsense” originated as a line for greeting cards featuring Miss Farina, a former dental assistant, in a nun’s habit offering sharp advice with a clerical slant. The cards became so popular, Goggin decided to expand the concept into a cabaret show. After the show’s unexpected 38-week run at its first theatre, Goggin transformed it into a full-scale revue. The musical has been performed in countless theatres throughout the world, and is now part of the OLRC’s 36th summer.
At the Caine Lyric this summer, nearly four decades of tradition continues and a milestone is realized.
“This summer we will have four members of the professional theatre guild, Actors’ Equity Association, working with the company,” Johnson said. “I look forward to again working with several seasoned professionals who have returned to the OLRC after a three-year absence. The OLRC is the only organization in northern Utah that produces varied works, including multiple genres, for the legitimate stage, and we look forward to providing patrons with a memorable experiences this summer,” he added.
While other companies focus on specific forms, the OLRC includes musical comedy, farce, classics and mysteries on its bill of fare. “This diversity has been part of the tradition of the program since its beginning and adds to its success,” Johnson concluded.
As the OLRC season continues, “Nunsense” takes center stage several times through the summer. Future dates include evening performances June 28 and July 18, a matinee and evening performance July 27 and the final evening show on July 31. Evening curtain time is at 8 p.m., while matinee shows are at 2 p.m.
The historic Caine Lyric Theatre is located at 28 West Center St., Logan. Ticket prices range from $8-$15. The OLRC also offers a “Student Rush” for patrons in high school and college. Students can show up at the box office 15 minutes before curtain and purchase tickets for half price. Tickets are available weekdays at the Spectrum Ticket Office (435-797-0305) between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., at the USU Taggart Student Center Customer Service Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., or at the Caine Lyric box office after 7 p.m. on performance evenings and from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays beginning June 15. Tickets sold at the Caine Lyric box office are for that day’s production only. For more information call (435) 797-1500.
OLRC is an educational program provided by Utah State University and its Department of Theatre Arts. It is a summer performance program for advanced theatre students working with professionals.
OLRC is supported by grants from the Marie Eccles Caine Foundation, George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, Emma Eccles Jones Foundation, Utah Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Bridgerland Travel Region, City of Logan, Anne Kennedy Roskelley Memorial Endowment and Utah Arts Council-Old Lyric Repertory Company Matching Endowment Fund.
Four productions are presented in repertory throughout the summer. Opening July 4 is the witty drawing room comedy classic “The Rivals.” ————————————————————————