By Kevin Jacobson
kevin@newsroom.byu.edu
Villa Theatre's production of 'Nunsense' is a charming musical featuring fun songs and off-the-wall humor.
'Nunsense,' as the name would imply, is an amalgamation of catholic nuns and absurdity.
Fifty-two nuns fall to botulism after eating the convent cook's special soup. After concluding business elsewhere, five of their fellow sisters return to the convent to find their friends dead.
The burial expenses for so many nuns runs high, especially after the Reverend Mother (Pat Bartlett) blows some of the funeral money to buy a DVD player. There remains only enough money to bury 48 of the dead nuns.
Faced with no other option, the nuns stick the four remaining deceased sisters in the freezer and concoct a plan to raise the remaining funds.
They come upon the idea to put on a variety show, which turns out to be 'Nunsense.'
The audience is quickly drawn into the story as the Reverend Mother extends a welcome and explains the nuns' predicament.
Soon the plot begins to unfold as fun musical numbers introduce the varied characters and further involve the audience in the nuns' plight.
After the Department of Health discovers the bodies in the freezer, the nuns must really beef up their show in order to bury their convent sisters before the deadline.
The strength and charm of 'Nunsense' rests on the shoulders of its five characters.
Acting as the main narrator and head of the convent, the Reverend Mother holds the show together.
Sister Hubert (Miriam Latour), who understandably harbors a subtle disdain for the name she was given when she became a nun, is second in command.
The slightly irreverent Sister Robert Anne (Wendy Asay) is a tough, Brooklyn-raised nun.
Sister Leo (Chaundra Wilson) longs after fame as a dancer, but her dream conflicts with her vow of humility.
Finally, Sister Merry Amnesia (Lynette Webb), who was struck in the head by a large falling crucifix, is scatterbrained and cannot even remember her name.
Although 'Nunsense' is a simple play, it is well-acted and entertaining.
Because the play revolves around a revue style performance, the plot remains simple. However, clever musical numbers such as 'Nunsense is habit-forming' and 'So You Want to be a Nun' allow the characters to develop.
All five of the cast members do a wonderful job keeping the play lighthearted and fun with their quality singing and skillful dancing.
Slightly distracting is the poorly designed set. Although it is supposed to reflect an impromptu play put on by the nuns, the set contains bland colors and simple props.
In addition to this, the play is performed in the Little Brown Theatre across the street from the Villa Theatre. It's obvious the facility is a converted dance studio, and the seating, which consists of hard steel chairs, is difficult for the audience to endure for two hours.
Fortunately, the performers are captivating, and their interaction with the audience distracts from the uncomfortable surroundings.
Overall Rating: Good