Hilarity and Musical Entertainment in Black Dog Theatre's "Nunsense"

Sit up straight, eyes forward. Any Catholics here tonight?

Black Dog Theatre performed “Nunsense,” a hilarious musical about a culinary disaster gone wrong in the convent. To raise money to bury their deceased poisoned sisters, the remaining nuns put on a variety show. A whirlwind of songs, dance numbers, audience interaction, and comedic chaos ensues as each nun fights for her moment in the spotlight.

This was my first time ever seeing “Nunsense.” It is a hilarious musical and was led by a talented team of actresses. Black Dog Theatre embraced the show's delightfully absurd premise and leaned into every joke, creating a show filled with laughter, memorable performances, and infectious enthusiasm.  

Sue Brother (Mother Superior Mary Regina), Carolyn Schneyer (Sister Mary Hubert), Kerrin Mullen (Sister Robert Anne), Olivia Minchello (Sister Mary Amnesia), and Tessa Tropeano (Sister Mary Leo) shine in their respective roles. 

Each performer creates a completely distinct nun and commits to the outrageous humor. Musically, the cast delivers with confidence. I was blown away by the angelic voices that echoed in the Haverhill City Hall auditorium. 

I have seen Sue Brother in several productions around the North Shore. Brother is a versatile actress, with a special knack for comedy. One scene called for Mother Superior to get high in the Act 1 finale. Brother went all out in her hysterical performance, flopping about the stage, laughing maniacally, and having a grand time. It was the highlight!

Schneyer was a delight as Sister Mary Hubert, the loyal second-in-command. However, a rivalry between Hubert and Mother Superior fuels comical laughs.

Mullin embraces her eccentric character, who finally gets the chance to shine. Her song numbers “Playing Second Fiddle” and “I Just Want to Be a Star” are exceptional. 

Minchellow steals scenes as the unforgettable Sister Mary Amnesia. Her memory loss creates endless comical moments until she has a breakthrough. 

Tropeano brings a youthful energy to Sister Mary Leo, the youngest nun. She is determined to become the world’s first ballerina nun.

The chemistry among the cast is another highlight. The constant teasing, playful competition, and moments of unexpected tenderness give the comedy an emotional foundation. 

Comedy is a tough thing to nail. Director Todd Coolidge worked closely with the actresses to find the right comical tone in each scene. “Nunsense” is a unique show where it’s not one consistent story. Instead, it’s vignettes of each sister in tune and coming together in music numbers. 

Coolidge focuses on the heart beneath the humor.

“The laughter grows not from people trying to be funny, but from people trying very hard to succeed under increasingly impossible circumstances,” Coolidge said. 

No show ever goes on its feet alone. A technical crew enhanced the show with a colorful set, several props, and a live music orchestra. Musical numbers included ‘Nunsense is Habit-Forming.’ ‘Tackle that Temptation’ and ‘Holier Than Thou.’

Audience reaction is my favorite part about any show. It consisted of some audience interaction with Sister Mary Hubert giving audience members prayer cards. The funniest response was someone asking Mother Superior if she was okay during her signature getting high scene. The audience was cracking up.

It felt so good to laugh. Laughter is medicine during these challenging times. Similar to the nuns' friendship, we can overcome challenges together. With the absurdity of the situation, the nuns never give up hope. I liked how each one had a dream to fulfill. Keep believing in your dreams.

Black Dog Theatre is a welcoming community theater that has evolved since its debut in 2024. “Nunsense” was a terrific time out to the theater. I look forward to seeing more shows at the theater.