Lyceum preview: 'Nunsense' opens Saturday at the Arrow Rock Lyceum

"Nunsense" is the second longest running off-Broadway show in history, and the winner of three Outer Critic Circle awards in 1996, according to a news release from the Lyceum.

"Even though it's been 19 years since 'Nunsense' was performed on our stage," said Director of Marketing Jackie Buckley, "it's such a well-loved show that early ticket sales are far exceeding our expectations."

The story is about Little Sisters of Hoboken's cook, Sister Julia, (Child of God), who has accidentally poisoned a few of the sisters. The survivors are in dire need of funds for the burials.

Sister Mary Hubert, Sister Robert Anne, Sister Mary Amnesia along with Sister Mary Leo and the Rev. Mother decide the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show.

With star turns, tap and ballet dancing, an audience quiz and comic surprises, these sisters of the cloth are sure to delight audiences.

The ensemble cast includes Peggy Billo as the Rev. Mother Regina. Billo was most recently seen on the Lyceum stage as Mrs. Van Daan in "The Diary of Anne Frank" and Penelope Sycamore in "You Can't Take It With You."

A very familiar face to Kansas City theatregoers, Karen Errington plays Sister Mary Hubert, the Mistress of Novices. Notable roles include Babe in "The Pajama Game," Fanny Brice in "Funny Girl," Miss Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls" and the Witch in "Into The Woods."

The streetwise nun from Brooklyn, Sister Robert Anne, is played by Lyceum favorite Coco Sansoni.

Sansoni first appeared on the Lyceum stage 19 years ago as Mary Jane in "Big River."

Since then, her many other Lyceum credits include Rose in "Gypsy," Patsy in "Always ... Patsy Cline" and Rosie in "Bye, Bye Birdie," to name a few.

The delightfully wacky Sister Mary Amnesia is being played by another Lyceum favorite, Leslie Lorusso.

Lorusso's many credits on the Lyceum stage include Grizabella in "Cats," the Baker's Wife in "Into the Woods," June in "Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming" and Rosemary in "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying."

Ashley McKay will be playing the part of Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is a wannabe ballerina.

McKay's past credits include "High School Musical," Julia in "The Wedding Singer," Lois Lane in "Kiss Me, Kate" and Catherine in "Pippin."

"Nunsense" came on the scene more than a quarter of a century ago, and the nuns have been entertaining and enlightening us ever since, Buckley said.

"It is indeed habit-forming," said Director David Hemsley Caldwell.

The production team includes Len Pfluger, choreographer; James R. Woodland, musical director; Randy B. Winder, scenic and lighting designer; John Metzner, costume designer; Tony Dearing, production stage manager; and Emilee Buchheit, assistant stage manager.

Six matinee performances will be held at 2 p.m. on Aug. 22, 23, 26, 27, 29 and 30. Four evening performances will be held at 8 p.m. on Aug. 22, 26, 28 and 29.

For tickets visit the Web site at www.lyceumtheatre.org or call 660-837-3311.