‘Nunsense II: The Second Coming’ promises laughs, talented performances

By: Ann Mire

Contributing Writer

The nuns are coming! The nuns are coming!

As Sister Amnesia says during the play, “break a leg, and be in a cast.” Join the wonderful cast of Maria Fontenot, Margaret Ann Harmon, Susan Comeaux, Jennifer Trahan and Christine Fulton as they don their habits and entertain with singing, dancing and delightful humor.

The Acadia Players production of “Nunsene II: The Second Coming” will be presented at the Grand Opera House of the South tonight through Sunday, June 15.

The nuns of Mount St. Helen School are ready to put on a show and have their “names in lights.” Convinced that they hold a winning lottery ticket, which will provide the funds to keep the school open, the nuns sing, “Winning is Just the Beginning.” And the fun for the audience is just beginning as well.

Reprising their roles from the Acadia Players production of the original “Nunsense” are Maria Fontenot as the Mother Superior, Sister Regina; Margaret Ann Harmon as Sister Robert Anne; and Susan Comeaux as Sister Mary Paul, better known as Amnesia, since a knock on the head made her lose her memory. The new members of the cast are Jennifer Trahan as Sister Mary Leo, and Christine Fulton as Sister Hubert. Logan Frederick, a theatre major at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette does a quality job in directing this ensemble.

These ladies are wonderfully delightful together and individually. Each is more than able to handle the singing, dancing and comedic lines. There is a good balance in their singing as an ensemble and individually. Their vocal talents are displayed through particular musical selections that enhance the development of their characters’ personalities.

Sister Leo (Trahan), who once had dreamed of being on stage as a ballerina, sings “Sister Prima Ballerina,” while Sister Amnesia (Comeaux), who was headed to Nashville, performs “Country Nun” along with her hand puppet, Sister Annette. 

Sister Regina (Fontenot), whose family had been part of a circus, renders “Look Ma I Made It,” while Sister Robert (Harmon) recalls an important woman in her life in the tune “Angeline.” Sister Hubert (Fulton) is featured in the blues-y rock duet “What Would Elvis Do?” with Sister Regina (Fontenot). She also has the lead in the finale, “Amen.”

Besides their musical talents, each has a good sense of timing in delivering their humorous lines. There seems to be just the right amount of pause, so that a laughing audience will not miss any subsequent lines. This is especially evident in the comedic scene in which the sisters suggest several hilarious gift ideas from the Catholic Guide to Gift Giving book.

Under the musical direction of Tina Reaux, pianist Judy LeJeune, keyboardist Phyllis Triggs and drummer Tyler Leger provide the live music. The music and the singers strike a perfect balance; there is no overpowering by one or the other.  The nuns’ simple but effective dance steps are under the direction of choreographer Desiree Doucet.

The stage set, designed and constructed by Logan Frederick with the assistance of Steve Fontenot and Claire Dore, features a simple Japanese look, complete with a garden bridge and a rickshaw. In the gymnasium of Mount St. Helen School, the set reflects the left-over set from Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Mikado,” which had been performed by the high school drama class.

This one setting adds to the flow of the performance. With no stage changes or curtain openings and closings, there is a steady pace to the performance.

Courtney Richard is the stage manager, and the sound board is handled by Tabitha Leonards, while lights are under Rachel LaCroix.

Director Logan Frederick promises a surprise cameo.

Make plans to see this delightful musical comedy; it will be a thoroughly entertaining experience.

Tonight’s performance, along with the Friday and Saturday performances, begin at 7:30 p.m., while Sunday’s matinee is at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children. Tickets are available by contacting the Grand office at 785-0440 or visiting the website thegrandoperahouse.org.