18
SUMMER PROGRAM 2013
About Tonight
In 1983, a series of songs and sketches called
Nunsense
opened at a tiny nightclub in
New York’s Greenwich Village. The cast hoped it would run four days. Thirty years
later,
Nunsense
is the second-longest-running off-Broadway musical in history (after
The Fantasticks
) and has spawned more than 10,000 productions in 20 languages, plus
six sequels, five DVDs, and even an all-male version, done deadpan. Now,
Nunsense
premieres at The Muny.
Why would such an unassuming idea – a group of nuns kickin’ up their heels – become
so outrageously popular? As they sing in the opening number, “We’re here tonight to
share with you the humor of the nun!” And the humor’s delicious. But as we watch
the Little Sisters of Hoboken madly create their show and defeat all odds to get those
dead nuns out of the freezer, the show also surprises us with its perspective on these
extraordinary women. Turns out, laughter is exactly the instrument we need to help
us understand their boundless joy-and the magnificence of their dedication. Catholic
sisters around the world have always used (and needed) joy and humor to carry out their
extraordinary work. The surprise insight of
Nunsense
is that this humor didn’t just help
them. It inspired us.
We are so blessed to have
Nunsense
’s original writer, Dan Goggin, create our own Muny
version. Danny has charmed everyone here at The Muny, and along with his friends Matt
Lenz and Teri Gibson, he’s wrapped our production in a particular benevolence and joy.
(Not to mention attention to detail—he could often be found hanging out in wardrobe
ironing the habits.)
Our cast tonight is heaven-sent. Dee Hoty, Tari Kelly, Beth Leavel and Terri White are
Broadway actresses with astonishing credits and talents. As a longtime fan of each one
of these women, I am overwhelmed they are on our stage together. Sarah Meahl makes
a grand Muny leap from cherished ensemble member to principal player. St. Louis’ own
lovely Phyllis Smith fulfills a promise to be my MaryWickes. Rachel Abrams and Michele
Burdette-Elmore complete our convent with style. We even have some additional drop-
by players I’m guessing you’ll recognize: our beloved Ken Page and Lara Teeter.
For our set, we return to Shrek. The convention of Nunsense is that it is performed on
the set of another show (usually
Grease
, but we preferred our ogre). This amazing set is
the final contribution by Sam and Steve Gilliam, who’ve been designing for The Muny
for 20 years. We wish them well as they head for a life where they can actually have a
summer vacation. Tonight makes the perfect end, because what they have given the
Muny staff and audiences for 20 years has been divine. We’ll miss you, Sam and Steve.
Mike Isaacson
Executive Producer
