They’re back! Yes, the Little Sisters of Hoboken are back raising a ruckus at the Legacy Theatre in the musical Nunsense. One of the longest running shows in Off-Broadway history, the five-person cast members, sing, dance, tell jokes, and more as they attempt to raise money to bury a few of their flock that, sadly, were poisoned by the cook, Sister Julia.
Nunsense is at its best when the performers – together or individually – are vocalizing or strutting their stuff to Choreographer James Gray’s unpretentious dance numbers. Gray, doubling as Director, keeps the shenanigans coming at an easy pace. A quicker tempo would have made the production a more briskly entertaining show.
The cast of Nunsense, playing at the Legacy Theatre through May 17. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.
The score by Goggin is the strength of the show. The lyrics can be witty and the music quite tuneful. They include such gems as “Nunsense is Habit Forming,” “Playing Second Fiddle,” and my personal favorite, “We’ve Got to Clean Out the Freezer.”
Dan Goggin also wrote the book, which is silly and crafted as a series of amusing sketches threaded together that finally concludes with the Sisters having their dilemma miraculously solved. Some of the material – the shorter scenes - work better than the more drawn-out moments. For example, a history quiz with the audience went on too long.
Semina De Laurentis, Melissa Goldberg, and Sarah Viera in Nunsense, playing at the Legacy Theatre through May 17. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.
While this is an ensemble show, the nominal star is Semina De Laurentis, who was in the original cast over 40 years ago. Her Sister Amnesia is the convent’s jester and much of the humor passes through her lips. While the actress (who is in her mid-70’s) might be a step slow, her singing voice has lost none of its power, and her comic timing is still fresh.
The other cast members imbue their characters with enough schtick and signature moments to keep the musical light and sprightly. They are Keisha T. Fraser (Sister Mary Hubert), Melissa Goldberg (Sister Mary Leo), Jennifer Smith (Sister Mary Regina), and Sarah Vieira (Sister Robert Anne).
Nunsense, still a hoot, playing at the Legacy Theatre through May 17. Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.
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