NUNCRACKERS
A Christmas Musical
The second show of Attleboro Community Theater's season is a holiday treat filled with the usual seasonal themes: gift giving, fruitcake making, and drunk, dancing clergymen. Nuncrackers, the fourth in the hilarious series of Dan Goggin's Nunsense musicals is presented as the first taping of a Public Access TV show done in the Mount St. Helen's Convent basement. If you're familiar with the other Nunsense musicals, then you'll know the cast of characters. If not, well then be prepared to meet Sisters Mary Paul (aka Amnesia, named so after a crucifix was dropped on her head), Mary Hubert, Robert Anne and Mary Regina, the Reverend Mother. This time there are a few special guests too, Father Virgil Manly Trott and several Mount Saint Helen's Students. Combine all of these characters and you've got one tongue-in-cheek Christmas farce that will have you rolling in the pews.
The delightful cast of 11 does a wonderful job under the direction and choreography of Don Gillis, who makes his debut at the Attleboro Community Theater for their 51st season. Gillis's choreography and blocking bring out the charm of every number, especially the perfectly synchronized “Santa's Little Teapot” which features the Mount Saint Helen's students. His choices with the comedic numbers “The Nutcracker Ballet” and “In the Convent” keep you laughing through the night.
Each member of the cast has a good grip on comedic delivery, and the one-liners, puns and innuendos keep coming. Judy Lea Eustace as the Reverend Mother dons an Irish brogue for the role. Her number “A Carnival Christmas” shows off her effortless singing voice, and her live commercial for the new bath oil/mouthwash combo “Absolution” shows off her comedic timing.
Mary Booth, as Sister Mary Hubert, and her real-life daughter, Sara Calia as Sister Robert Anne, prove that talent doesn't fall far from the tree. Booth shows off her mature soprano in “It's Better to Give Than To Receive” and Calia narrates a story of her youth with her sweet voice in “Jesus was Born in the Bronx.” Both mother and daughter get into character, Booth as the witty nun who yearns to be the Reverend Mother, and Calia as the Bronx-born reformed tough girl.
Jeanine Belcastro does a fantastic job as Sister Mary Paul (aka Amnesia). Her high-pitched voice and wide-eyed face perfectly convey her character's well-deserved nickname. Belcastro's comedic improvisation skills pay off when she plays “Secret Santa” with the audience. She does a great job with “Santa Ain't Comin' to Our House” and lets her strong soprano peek through on the group numbers.
Patrick Murphy has a great range as Father Virgil Manly Trott. His first solo number, “The Christmas Box” is a heartwarming song about giving love. This piece is well suited for his soothing tenor voice. We see another side of Murphy's character when he is asked to step in for the ever-absent chef, Sister Julia, Child of God. Easily the funniest part of the show, Fr. Virgil guides the audience through a fruitcake recipe in which less of the rum ends up in the cake, and more ends up in him.
The cast and show would not be complete without the Mount Saint Helen's students, who range from elementary to junior high school students. Jillian Booth, Julie Farabaugh, Joelle Hanley, Mckenzie Leek, Bethany Murphy and Sean Murphy keep the audience laughing with their flubbed Christmas carols like “The Holly and the Ivory (Soap)” and “Here We Come A-Waffle-ing.”
Every aspect of the show is well executed, from the cleverly designed set to the musical accompaniment by Justin Kisch (aka Father Billy Joel, of course). Attleboro Community Theater's Nuncrackers is a holiday musical comedy you don't want to miss!
There are only 3 performances left - so make your reservations now!
Call: (508) 226-8100
Friday and Saturday, December 21 and 22 at 8 pm. Sunday matinee, December 23 at 2 pm.
For additional information check their website:
www.attleborocommunitytheatre.com
