Five stage-struck nuns head to Hollywood in SOAP`s upcoming musical Nunset Boulevard. Their scene-stealing puppet Sister Mary Annette reveals she intends to audition for a Hollywood film. Wanting in on the act (L-R) are nuns Penelope Johnson, Chelsea Cameron Horner, Aimee Grice, Terri Thompson, and Diane Gludovatz. Performances November 21 – 21 in Osoyoos and November 28 – 29 in Oliver, 8 pm. (Vance Potter photo)
Several stage-struck nuns sing, “That’s why we do musicals – variety’s our spice!” in the South Okanagan Amateur Players’ (SOAP) upcoming show, Nunset Boulevard.
Highly anticipated ever since SOAP performed the original Nunsense in 1998, the new musical marks the return of some of the favourite characters to grace the local stage.
It hits theatres in the last two weeks of November.
In this Dan Goggin musical, five talented nuns from Mount St. Helen’s convent make their way to Tinseltown, on the strength of a contract to perform at the famous Hollywood Bowl.
Even when they find out they’ve been conned and are only a lounge act at the Hollywood Bowl-a-rama, the stars in their eyes are not dimmed.
The nun troupe is determined to give the bowlers a song-and-dance revue to remember. The show quickly goes sideways when the sisters discover a new Hollywood movie (the “Nunset Boulevard” of the title) is auditioning roles suited for nuns.
To prepare for the casting call, the nuns pull out all the stops.
Each sister loves the spotlight, performing in her own style.
Reverend Mother (played by Diane Gludovatz) has vaudeville in her veins, revelling in slapstick comedy. She gets the biggest sight gags, impersonating such famous Hollywood dames like Mae West. Sister Hubert (Terri Thompson) has a heart full of soul, a bluesy voice, and the rousing gospel number.
Sister Robert Anne (Aimee Grice) belts out cabaret songs in her tough Brooklyn accent. Her risqué humour keeps Reverend Mother on her toes.
Sister Amnesia (Chelsea Cameron-Horner) has been forgetful and naïve ever since a crucifix fell on her head. Her memory is in fine form, however, when she sings country and MC’s the quiz show. Ambitious Sister Leo (Penelope Johnson) believes in her potential to be the convent’s “triple-threat” performer. The plot turns on her dream of breaking into show business with her singing, dancing and acting.
Hummable songs span the genres from 1950s doo-wop to cabaret, hip-hop to ballads, country twang to soul.
The show is designed for theatre lovers who enjoy song and dance as well as many good laughs, said Thompson.
Says Thompson, “I love the catchy music for all the songs. I find myself humming a different tune from the score every day.” The musical is packed with laughs including rapid-fire impressions of movie one-liners, a film quiz with prizes for the audience, and “The Price is Righteous” bowling game.
Ray Turner, who directed the original musical Nunsense, returns to the helm. Gludovatz reprises her hilarious turn as the Mother Superior. Johnson also returns although in a different role.
While Nunset Boulevard is the sixth in the series, no previous knowledge of the nun’s escapades is required to enjoy their new antics.
Music director Lisa Ante accompanies on piano and leads the small stage band.
Right now the cast is fine-tuning their many dance numbers. Choreographer Robin Stille is putting the nuns through their paces.
Nuns doing Rockette kicks?
They’re working on it. Gludovatz explains.
“Dancing while singing harmonies does not come second nature to me … I know, it sounds shocking, says Johnson. “There’s one number requiring us to sing and dance in wheelchairs. Not easy in a habit.”
Nunset Boulevard runs Friday, Nov. 21 and Saturday Nov.22 at the Osoyoos Secondary School theatre and Friday, Nov. 28 and Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Frank Venables Theatre in Oliver.
Tickets are $18 advance, or $20 at the door, and are available at Sundance Video in Oliver and Your Dollar Store with More in Osoyoos.
All shows being promptly at 8 p.m. Information and tickets for groups of 10 or more: [email protected] or 250-498-3597.
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