Theatrical Review: Nunsense

NUNSENSE
Written by: Dan Goggin
Directed by: Susan Jordan
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented Our Good Friends at The Pocono Lively Arts’ production of Dan Goggin‘s “Nunsense.” The company has gained a reputation for presenting entertaining plays to satisfy the family oriented taste of their audience. While this play about a convent of nuns preparing to stage a show may tend to adventure into some risqué realms, it does so with a high degree of tastefulness to ease any concern families may have in this regard.

As mentioned earlier, the play takes place in a convent whose nunnery is preparing a show. The mixture of songs and comedic pieces brings an uproarious delight to the audience and the production transpires. While most comedies I’ve seen of late inspired only a smile or a slight chuckle, I found myself laughing out loud quite a bit as the play progress. In short, this play is funny.

The play was very well acted as one had an overwhelming sense the situations were met for the very first time by the actors. This is a text book example of what many in the art form refers to “The Suspension of Disbelief” or the concept of “Being in the moment.“ Either way, the cast mastery of these concepts and forms made the evening all the more enjoyable.

The only unfortunate aspect of the play is the fact it‘s run is complete. Therefore, I’m unable to encourage anyone to come out to enjoy the theatrical experience. However, I could encourage you to remain aware of future productions of The Pocono Lively Arts which are coming to Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre. This will be the case of their production of “Jekyll and Hyde” taking place June 22nd - 24th. Please explore The Pocono Lively Arts Website at www.poconolivelyarts.org for more information.

The Production was Directed by Susan Jordan, Musically Directed by Nancy Joy Koch who also served as the Orchestra‘s Conductor, Production Manager Heather Clarkson , and Stage Managed by Luke Ackerman (who also appeared in the play). The cast included Tassy Gilbert who portrayed Sister Mary Regina (Mother Superior), Kelly Foley who portrayed Sister Mary Hubert (Mistress of Novices) who also served as Choreographer, Trudy Austin who portrayed Sister Robert Ann, Heather Dean who portrayed Sister Mary Amnesia and who also served in the marketing staff, and Alexandra Dickison who portrayed Sister Mary Leo. The orchestra consisted of Gary Raish on Keyboards, Bob Riday on Woodwinds, and Charlie Cahn on Percussion. Other members of the production staff included Scott Desantis who served as Lighting and Technical Director, Eric Ramos, David Diaz, and Eric Dwyer who served as members of The Technical Assistants, and Michael Eyth who Designed the set for the production and helped Merlyn Clark build it, Kathie Avery served as Costume Mistress with Neil Snuffer as her assistant, Antoinette Martinelli served as Property Mistress while Theresa Lawrence, Annette Kaiser, and Peter Korovesis served as part of the marketing staff..

Numerous photographs relating to the production can be found in The Forwardian Arts Society Theatre 07 Gallery on The Forwardian Arts Society Blog at myspace.com/forwardian_arts