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By Chuck Polifiaco
February 19, 2010, 9:16AM
At the beginning of the Cassidy Theatre’s production of "Nunsense," which opened last weekend for a three-weekend run, the nuns sing, "though we’re on our way to heaven, we’re here to raise some hell." That’s exactly what this production does, all to the enjoyment of the audience.
"Nunsense," which opens the Cassidy Theatre’s 2010 season, is fun, entertaining and a great way to escape the winter doldrums of February. Just sit back, relax and be prepared to laugh and have a good time. Being Catholic certainly helps in the enjoyment of the show, but it is not a requirement.
There is not a weak link in this production. From the direction and choreography by Kevin Joseph Kelly, to the music by Jordan Cooper on piano, to the performances of all five actresses who excel in their roles of the singing and dancing nuns.
The play is about the Little Sisters of Hoboken who operate Mount Saint Helen’s School in Hoboken, N.J. After returning from a leper colony on an island south of France, the nuns go unnoticed until their cook, Sister Julia â€" Child of God, served tainted vichyssoise soup and 52 of the sisters died of botulism. Nineteen of the nuns, who were off playing bingo, survived and they begin a fundraising campaign to raise money to bury the nuns.
Thinking there was plenty of money, the Reverend Mother bought a Hi-Def TV, finding out after the purchase that there was only enough money to bury 48 of the nuns. The nuns decided to stage a talent show to raise the remaining money needed to bury the last four sisters, who were put on ice in the convent’s deep freezer. This is where the production really takes off and continues to soar until it is over.
Trinidad Snider is outstanding as Sister Mary Amnesia and has some great moments on stage, including her solo number "I Could’ve Gone to Nashville" as well as her comical scene in a question and answer session with a puppet, Sister Mary Annette, who is brought on to help. Snider is an accomplished director and proves in this production that her acting and singing abilities match.
Caron Wykle as Sister Mary Hubert proves she can belt out a song in such numbers as "Holier Than Thou" and "Tackle That Temptation with a Time Step."
Candace Russell as the Reverend Mother Regina brings a lot of laughs to the production, especially near the close of the first act when she inhales a powerful substance and ends up flying just a little too high.
Not to be overlooked are Kim Bush as Sister Mary Leo, who has dedicated her life to God through dance, and Lindsay Pier as Sister Robert Anne, who does not like playing second fiddle to the Reverend Mother and would like a solo of her own. She shines in her solo number "I Just Want to be a Star."
Most of the songs are fun in lyric design and rhythms, and enlivened with an ingenious variety of structural and harmonic touches â€" such as the Andrew Sisters styled number "The Drive-In" for example that was performed by Snider, Pier and Bush.
Also, the simplicity of the music by just having Cooper playing piano adds to the production and brings the proper fun-loving mood to the show.
The entire evening â€" the music, dancing, performances â€" is the kind of thing that the Cassidy Theatre does well and "Nunsense" is an extremely exciting example of it. "Nunsense" is quite simply one outstanding show.
"Nunsense" continues through Feb. 28 at the Cassidy Theatre. The theater is located at the Greenbrier Commons in Parma Heights at 6200 Pearl Road, near the intersection of York Road. For tickets or information, call (440) 842-4600.
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