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Interactive ‘Nunsense’ turns playful with audiences By Renee Tomell, rtomell@libertysuburban.com Director Scott Neidl focuses on ramping up the fun factor for audience members, cast and crew in Wheaton Drama’s production of “Nunsense.” The interactive musical comedy tracks the misadventures of five quirky nuns trying to put on a talent show to raise money to bury the remaining members of their sisterhood who were poisoned by botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared by Sister Julia. The Carol Stream director sets entertainment in motion even before show time. “If you come early, the theater will be open and the characters will be doing their sound checks and prep work in character,” Neidl said. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and a bingo game will be in the offing. “The audience can actually meet the nuns, (and one) nun will give a lesson on proper etiquette in the theater (instead of the customary canned speech about no flash photography). To the best of our ability, you’re (entering) a gymnasium. I’m treating this show like it’s happening spur of the moment right as you’re walking in.” The musicians on stage will be dressed as members of the archdiocese, and the visible crew members will sport habits to complete the illusion. Pianist and music director David Pfenninger (as Father David) will wear a Roman collar and interact with the characters. “It’s great fun to do a show with this few people in it; we all get very close,” said Christine Pfenninger of Lombard, who plays Sister Mary Amnesia. “We get to play a bit in the show, which is not completely scripted and allows for some ad-libbing. If you’re not Catholic, don’t let the title scare you,” she said. “We explain any detail to our non-Catholic friends. It’s more about character than about faith, not anything preachy.” Leading the band is her husband. “We’ve actually shared the stage at Wheaton many times before,” she said. “He’s a music teacher by day. He welcomed the chance to work with adults for a while, although I don’t know if we were any easier.” Pfenninger said she has appeared in “Nunsense” and all its sequels, always in the role of Sister Mary Amnesia. “She’s been my constant,” she said. “Her story is that a crucifix fell on her head and she completely forgot who she was. She is a little innocent and naive. Some may see her as a bit dim as a result. She sort of lives in her own happy bubble — very childlike. She’s my absolute favorite character I’ve ever played. It’s so easy to just let go and let her take over.” Neidl pays special attention to the show’s dance elements, with four choreographers lending their talents. “They all bring very different perspectives,” said Pfenninger, noting it’s ideal for the premise of a variety show and the diverse talents represented. Among them is George Zima of Winfield. “God bless him; he’s in his 80s and appeared with Ethel Merman in ‘Gypsy’ in the Broadway company,” she said. “He’s one of these classic Broadway hoofers. He brings such a joy to it.” Neidl added that Zima danced for the likes of Jerome Robbins and Bob Fosse. “His area of expertise is tap dance, and there’s a big tap number in the show, so I called upon him,” he said. Another choreographer is British-born Tracy Brown of Batavia, a longtime member of Wheaton Drama, who owns DancEncounter Ltd. in Geneva and North Aurora. The other choreographers are Barbara Giblin of Wheaton and Jennifer Skidgel of Carol Stream. Portraying the other surviving Little Sisters of Hoboken are Helen Buck of Lisle as Sister Mary Leo, Patricia Doctor of Aurora as Sister Mary Regina, Nancy Kolton of Batavia as Sister Mary Robert Anne and Millie Schwartz of DeKalb as Sister Mary Hubert. The production team includes assistant director Jennifer Neidl of Schaumburg and production manager Kate Quan of Schaumburg. Crew includes Susan Benner and Henry Schnabel (production photography), Bill Boylan (sound), Keith deBolt (set construction), Dianna Dignan (costumes), Tony Farruggio (publicity), Becky Gregory (tickets), Andy Kanturek (video), Jo-Ann Ledger (properties), Marc Ludena (graphic design), Steve Schroeder (house manager), Jim Van De Velde (lighting) and Debbie Trueblood-Witt (stage manager). What: Wheaton Drama Inc. presents Dan Goggin’s musical “Nunsense.” When: Thursdays through Sundays through Oct. 14. Shows start at 8 p.m., except Sundays, when there are 3 p.m. matinees Where: 111 N. Hale St., downtown Wheaton Tickets: $18 Thursdays, $21 other days. To purchase tickets, visit www.wheatondrama.org. Other shows: The season continues with “A Christmas Story,” Nov. 23 to Dec. 16; “I Hate Hamlet,” Jan. 25 to Feb. 17; “A Few Good Men,” March 28 to April 20; and “Little Shop of Horrors,” May 30 to June 22. |