Now here’s a news release to get the heart of an A&E reporter pumping: “Rejoin those five zany nuns as they host their very first Christmas television special with Father Virgil and the three winners of the Mt. St. Helen’s School talent show.”
It’s Nuncrackers, featuring the silly Sisters of Hoboken in seven heavenly performances at the Mercury Theatre from Nov. 16 to Nov. 26.
Look for unique seasonal songs including ‘Twelve Days Prior to Christmas’, ‘Santa Ain’t Comin’ to Our House’, ‘We Three Kings of Orient Are Us!’ and ‘It’s Better to Give than to Receive’ plus many more you think you recognize.
Nuncrackers rehearsal
Nuncrackers is the fourth show in writer Dan Goggin’s series of Nunsense musicals.
This one takes place in real time in the basement of Mount Saint Helen’s Convent. It is the first TV special being taped in the Cable Access TV Studio built by Reverend Mother with part of the prize money won earlier by Sister Mary Paul (Amnesia).
The show is the school’s annual Christmas program and we quickly catch up with the nuns before the mayhem of a performance they’re hopefully basing on The Nutcracker begins.
A problem with the Sugar Plum Fairy, a Secret Santa draw, and plenty of singing get the event off on a bumpy road. With director Cathy Schmidt choreographing as well as quarterbacking this performance, we know there’s likely to be some pretty hot stepping, too.
But, with these Sisters, we know that can’t be all.
There are stolen Christmas gifts, Father Virgil demonstrating some Christmas cooking, including instructions on making a fruitcake: the gift that lasts a lifetime.
After visiting the audience between acts, the cast again take their places as the “camera rolls” and act two includes tales of “last minute” shopping woes, and a “Living Nativity Scene” featuring the students.
But, it’s not all hilarity; there are also some lovely songs in this performance, as well as old carols and even a sing-along.
However, behind the scenes it’s still pretty crazy as the show (and the nuns) lurch happily towards a conclusion. With the Reverend Mother Sister Mary Regina, Sister Mary Hubert, Sister Robert Anne, Sister Mary Amnesia, and Sister Leo around you can look for hijinx, fun, and folly for the whole family. Indeed, this show is advertised as “kid friendly”. However, there are no warnings about the danger of laughing your fool head off, so we’re telling you now to be ready for that possibility.
Nuncrackers runs Nov. 16-19, 24-26. Tickets are available at Ten Old Books or First Chiropractic in Duncan or call 250-746-6897.
