Nunsense Is A Crowd Pleaser At South Lake High

by Daniel Boisrond, Ocoee High School

Dan Goggins has created some of the most well-loved shows in theater, and South Lake High School did him proud with their production of "Nunsense". This zany show is always an audience pleaser, and the crowd Saturday night had a wonderful time.

Like all of the five shows in the "Nunsense" series the characters, known as the Little Sisters of Hoboken, are Sister Mary Regina, the Mother Superior; the "second in command", Sister Mary Hubert; the Brooklyn showstopper Sister Robert Ann; Sister Mary Leo, who wants to be the first nun ballerina; and my personal favorite - Sister Mary Amnesia, who has forgotten her name because a crucifix has fallen on her head. South Lake added a character that was not in the original, the Stage Manager. The sisters are putting on a benefit performance to raise money to bury four nuns, accidentally poisoned by the convent chef, Sister Julia. With the health inspector threatening to shut them down, the sisters are desperate.

All six actresses had their moment to shine, but a couple really stood out. Kayla Wilbanks, Sister Robert Ann, had incredible energy and was such a ham that she stole many scenes. Tiana Sandh nailed Amnesia's sweet nature. She was a comic delight with her shenanigans and interaction with the audience. Tiana's two solo numbers were the highlight of the show. She showed the wide range and beauty of her voice as she hilariously sang with a puppet, in "So You Want to be a Nun" and her showstopping number near the end of the show, "I Could've Gone to Nashville".

Other notable moments were Kaitlin Elizabeth Baxter's dances, Alicia Salgado's rousing gospel number, and Emily Juhl laying on the floor yelling "Free Willy!". Ashley Rowin, as the stage manager, got her share of laughs but I don't understand why they added her character.

Although there were some pitch and timing problems during some of the solos, when the five nuns sang together the harmonies were lovely. I wish they could have had mics because often they could not be heard. The energy started low, but all the actors were in full swing by the end of Act One.

As many times as I have seen "Nunsense" I still get a big kick out of it. You can't help but hum the songs as you leave the theater. South Lake High School should be proud of their production of this much beloved show.

Originally published in The Backstage Noise, Winter 2006