Black Dog Theatre to Perform the Comical Musical "Nunsense"

Let the nuns be in charge of everything.

Black Dog Theatre’s “Nunsense” is coming to Haverhill City Hall. This comical musical centers around the only five surviving nuns of their fellow sisters who were poisoned by tainted soup. They create a variety show to raise money for a proper burial.

Black Dog Theatre was founded in fall 2024, with its first production, “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” in December. Since then, the theater has performed several other productions and radio shows including, “Hope Floats: A Musical Revue,” “The Odd Couple,” and now “Nunsense.”

“We have continued to grow as a young theatre company with a focus in accessible, thoughtful, community-centered productions,” said Todd Coolidge, the theater’s artistic director. He also directs this production of “Nunsense.”

Coolidge caught the theater bug long ago, spending 40 years in theater, acting onstage and directing productions. He attended New York University (NYU) where he did post-graduate work and theatre education. 

Through NYU and his own acting experience, it helped influence Coolidge’s own directing methods on helping actors find their most truthful work. He likes to focus on human behavior and finding more emotional layers underneath comedy.  

“I want (actors) pursuing something, needing something, and discovering the comedy through the situation,” said Coolidge. 

For their next show, Coolidge said they chose “Nunsense” because it’s an entertaining, joyful, and silly musical comedy. He said it felt like the right show to do now in the theater’s growth. 

While “Nunsense” has entertained audiences for decades, Coolidge believes Black Dog Theatre’s version offers a fresh perspective. Rather than treating the show as a series of comedy sketches, he has focused on making it feel like one continuous event. 

Finding the right cast was equally important. At auditions, Coolidge searched for performers with strong ability for music, comedy, and movement. Most importantly, a team who believe in the comical choices they make. 

Five actresses, each passionate about theater, were cast in “Nunsense.”

“I love musical theater and I’ve never done this show before,” said Sue Brother, who plays Sister Mary Regina and Mother Superior. A Marblehead resident, Brother added that it’s been a great experience with the new theater company. 

Throughout rehearsals, Coolidge has focused on making every musical number feel natural to the story. He also emphasized that comedy is another huge focal point. 

“Comedy in a theater has to be read all the way to the back of the house,” Coolidge said. “Bigger cannot just mean louder or busier. It has to mean clear.”

Arlington resident Carolyn Schneyer’s (Sister Mary Hubert) favorite part about rehearsals is, “Making each other laugh (and cry)!”

Delightful, ridiculous, and absorbing. These are the words the actresses have used to describe “Nunsense.” 

However, Olivia Minchello (Sister Mary Amnesia) called the show authentic. 

“There is something really human about the ridiculous situation and humor of this show,” The Danvers resident said. She added with how the situation escalates, especially with five nuns, it makes it funnier.  

Despite its outrageous premise, Tessa Tropeano (Sister Mary Leo) believes that “Nunsense” embraces deeper themes. “The moral of “Nunsense” to me is about embracing individuality and friendship among turmoil and tradition,” The Wakefield resident said. 

Audiences can expect a lively variety of musical styles, audience interaction, and several other theatrical surprises. Coolidge added that he hopes this comical show makes audiences feel lighter and feel the heart of the story.  

Black Dog Theatre’s “Nunsense” is set to perform on the Haverhill City Hall stage in Haverhill, from July 24 through July 26. All audiences are welcome to attend a performance. Tickets are available online.