"I think we deserve points for sheer nerve," says Debbie Reynolds, one of the actresses bringing "Nunsense" to St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church in Bella Vista on Sunday. "This play? At a Catholic church? If we mess up, they're sure going to know it!"
But Reynolds and her co-stars were committed to reviving the fun and fellowship that were a trademark of the Village Players, a Bella Vista community theater group which disbanded in 2013. Right now, they're calling themselves Theater II -- which may not stick -- but they're already looking ahead to a summer production.
FAQ
‘Nunsense’
WHEN — 2 p.m. Sunday
WHERE — St. Bernard’s Parish Hall, 1 St. Bernard Lane in Bella Vista
COST — $15; call for ticket availability
INFO — 855-9069
"We're definitely going forward," Reynolds says.
Thespians are talking about Neil Simon's "Rumors," but putting on a show isn't as easy as choosing one.
"We have to find out first how much the rights will be, then try to get a sponsor to help us out," Reynolds explains. "If we don't have a sponsor, it can be pretty expensive to do it on your own."
There are scripts available that don't require royalties, she admits, "but the people who come to plays respond to something they've heard of" -- like "Nunsense," which is eternally popular.
According to the play's website, Dan Goggin's "Nunsense" begins when the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, and they are in dire need of funds for the burials. The nuns decide that the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show, and so audiences meet the Rev. Mother Regina, a former circus performer; Sister Mary Hubert, the mistress of novices; a streetwise nun from Brooklyn named Sister Robert Anne; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is a wannabe ballerina; and the wacky Sister Mary Amnesia, the nun who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head.
It might be a tad irreverent, but it's selling well, Reynolds says -- over 200 tickets as of Tuesday.
"We've been extremely lucky with the weather. The girls are in great spirits! I am so pleased, I just don't know what to do!"
-- Becca Martin-Brown
NAN What's Up on 01/11/2019