Nunsense

I thought this was really bad. Boring. Bad acting. Not funny. Not cute. Not entertaining. It has nothing going for it. I cannot recommend this.

"Nunsense" is a filmed live production of a musical comedy by Dan Goggin that first ran off Broadway on Dec. 12, 1985. The show ran for 3,672 performances over 10 years. It then was adapted for TV. This film of the show aired in 1993. It was recorded at the Frauenthal Theatre in Muskegon, Michigan. The copyright of the film and DVD recording is 1994, held by Bristol-Meyer Squibb. The DVDs are produced by SRO Entertainment, under license from DLT Entertainment Ltd., and distributed exclusively by KULTUR International Films. While it isn't a movie per se, it is a film of a stage show that is much like a musical and comedy revue.

A sequel and more films were made into a series over the next several years. The plot is a staged benefit show by the fictional Little Sisters of Hoboken - the last five remaining nuns of their order. It is being done in order to raise enough money to pay for the burial of the last four of their colleagues. While these five sisters were away at a bingo party, the rest of their convent - 52 sisters, all died of food poisoning from a tainted vichyssoise (cold potato soup) made by their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God. Such word play of names, parodies and metaphors are part of the script for this show. A couple of the characters are Sister Amnesia who can't remember anything, and Sister Myopia, the archery instructor.

The cast do a fine job, with Rue McClanahan leading the charge as Rev. Mother Mary Regina. This is an unusual type of stage show and film, in that it incorporates the theatre audience, as the very audience in attendance at the supposed benefit show. The musical aspects, with the nuns singing and dancing are good. The comedy is fair in places, but in some places the script may seem to some to go beyond humorous irreverence to slight religious mockery.

The show is an expansion of Goggin's greeting card line that he called Nunsense. The credits give special thanks to the Dominican Sisters Marywood Motherhouse in Grand Rapids, Michigan. And, they list a religious consultant, Fr. Damian Amantia, T. O. R. Those who attended Catholic schools should have a few chuckles. Others may not get some of the references and intended comedy.

This takes me back to when plays had individuals that could sing and dance and entertain at the highest level. But I stress if you are a low brow and are looking for special effects to entertain you you will not like this play. I used to watch the golden girls with my mom like ryan reynolds used to as well. It is just really incredible wit and singing that well in a nutshell their voices are better than any singer that has come out of the voice and americas idol. These women can do it all. But you must be in your 50s or above or your brain not be matured enough to enjoy this play. I have seen over 100 plays in my life time and it is nice to see one which such originality as this one.

You will love it if you are a senior like me. Go watch the idol or the voice if you want cottage cheese. I prefer ambrosia at my age. You are young so I would expect an answer from you such as the one you gave. Good night Princes of Wales Kings of NewEngland.

Just like the tagline says, Nunsense is habit forming--and very much so! I've never been a fan of theatre, so I admit that it had to grow on me, but once it did there was no going back! After watching this riotous revue, I am completely convinced that Rue McClanahan should have her own stand-up comedy show. The continuous one-liners roll effortlessly, as do the show-stopping song and dance numbers. The entire show is filled with non-stop laughs, but a few select scenes will have you simply rolling with laughter. Literally. The first time I saw Nunsense, I actually fell off the couch because I was laughing so hard (then I couldn't get back up because I couldn't stop laughing). By the way, that was during the "baking with the B.V.M. scene" when Sister Mary Amnesia presents her homemade book stand (you'll know it when you see it). Even though I didn't appreciate it as much the first time I saw it, Nunsense grew on me very quickly--to the point where I bought the box set, and I've now seen it probably 20 times (not to mention that I've memorized the songs. LOL!). I would love to see a live production of this sometime. Nunsense is a guaranteed must-see for any theatre or Rue McClanahan fan (or anyone who wants a good laugh, for that matter). Rue is fabulous as Reverend Mother Superior; I can't imagine that anyone could do it better. She can sing, she can dance, she can act, and she's absolutely hilarious!