Theatre Talk 1: 'Nunsense' plays through March 27

Elizabeth Youngman-Westphal

Special to The Village News

If you have survived Catholic school, "Nunsense, A Musical Comedy" will bring tears to your eyes. Not only is this show close to home at The Welk Resort in Escondido, but it is also hilarious and still relevant today.

No doubt Dan Goggin was educated by the good sisters. In 1985, he proved his insight by creating a successful line of greeting cards featuring nuns which evolved to become the impetus to write the book, music, and lyrics creating the longest running off-Broadway show in history.

Synopsis: "Five of the 19 surviving Little Sisters of Hoboken, a one-time missionary order that ran a leper colony on an island south of France, discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, accidentally killed the other 52 residents of the convent with her tainted vichyssoise while they were off playing bingo with a group of Maryknolls." And the silliness begins.

Director Noelle Marion's cast selections are on the button, Luke Harvey Jacobs added tap to their dainty colored shoes, while musical director Patrick Marion was always there to "take it away."

Sister Mary Regina, (Melinda Gilb) is Mother Superior. Gilb has the natural instincts of a seasoned performer. Her choices are deliberate and on point. A real pro reminding us why "Nunsense is habit forming."

Veteran Anise Ritchie plays second-in-command Sister Mary Hubert. It is Ritchie's comedic timing and divine singing voice that delivers every time she opens her mouth.

Sister Robert Anne (Bets Malone) takes quirky to an apostolic level. Finally convincing Reverend Mother to allow her to perform her single "Robert to the Rescue" in the talent show, Malone's shenanigans shine naturally.

Sister Mary Amnesia (Eileen Bowman) is a bit ditsy. It's not her fault. She was struck on the head by a falling cross. It isn't until her solo "I Could've Gone to Nashville" that she finally remembers her real name. A gifted singer, actor, and dancer, Bowman sparkles.

Novice Sister Mary Leo (Emma Nossal) twinkles recalling why she was drawn to convent life with "Benedicite" although she reminisces her youthful desire to become a ballerina in "The Dying Nun Ballet." Nossal talent is luminesce.

"Nunsense, A Musical Comedy" runs until March 27 at The Welk Theatre in Escondido. Tickets; 760-749-3448 or sandiegotickets.welkresorts.com. Rate 10 out of 10!