Super-size me – TCT’s “Nunsense: The Mega-Musical”

"Nunsense: The Mega Musical includes all the original songs, a new song ("One Last Hope"), two expanded dance numbers and five additional cast members.

Most everyone has seen one version or another of Nunsense. In the original musical, a fundraiser is put on by the Little Sisters of Hoboken to raise money to bury sisters accidently poisoned by the convent cook, Sister Julia (Child of God). Now, writer Dan Goggin has come up with the newest version, Nunsense: The Mega-Musical, and Topeka Civic Theatre brings it to their stage September 9 through October 8.

The original featured five nuns led by Reverend Mother Mary Regina. Laced with sight gags, puns, audience participation, and a lot of laughs, there have been at least six sequels. Now, Nunsense: The Mega-Musical will have Topeka audiences laughing until their sides hurt. The original cast of five has been expanded to ten, including the never before seen Sister Julia Child of God.

The new version includes all the original songs, a new song (One Last Hope), and two expanded dance numbers. The New York Times called the original musical “A hail of fun and frolic” when it opened in New York, where it won four Outer Critics Circle Awards including Best Musical.

The TCT cast includes Grace Morrison (Reverend Mother Mary Regina), Chelle Decker (Sister Mary Hubert), Brianna Landon (Sister Robert Anne), Jayna McFarland (Sister Mary Amnesia), Martha Bartlett Piland (Sister Mary Leo), Wendy Long (Sister Julia Child of God), Jan Howard (Sister Mary Brendan), Abby Musick (Sister Mary Luke), Larissa Goodwin (Sister Mary Wilhelm) and Gary Piland (Father Virgil/Father Patrick).

Writer/Director Dan Goggin is the comedic mastermind that has produced the series of Nunsense musicals. Goggin received the 1986 Outer Critics' Circle Award given to Nunsense for Best Musical, Best Book and Best Music. Nunsense and Nunsense 2: The Second Coming, both starring Rue McClanahan, have been recorded for the A&E Television Network.

The TCT production opens September 9 at the TCT Mainstage Theatre, and runs through October 8. Tickets are $25 for Adults, $20 for full-time students, and may be purchased by phone at (785) 357-5211, in person at 3028 SW 8th in Topeka or online at www.TopekaCivicTheatre.com.

Dinner is not required for ticket holders, but may be added to any Friday, Saturday or Sunday show for $19 for adults, $17.50 for seniors and children 12 and under, $13 for brunch in general and $9 for brunch for children 12 and under. The dinner buffet is by Aboud’s Catering.

It would be a sin to pass up this Topeka Civic Theatre season opener.

The Gayly – September 2, 2016 @ 1:20 p.m.