The Southwestern College Summer Theatre Festival will present the musical comedy “Nunsense” on Friday and Saturday, July 26 and 27, at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, July 28, at 2 p.m., in Messenger Recital Hall in the Darbeth Fine Arts Center on the campus of Southwestern College. 

“Nunsense” is a musical comedy with a book, music, and lyrics by Dan Goggin. Originating as a line of greeting cards, Goggin expanded the concept into a cabaret show that ran for 38 weeks, and eventually into a full-length musical. The original Off-Broadway production opened Dec. 12, 1985, running for 3,672 performances and becoming the second-longest-running Off-Broadway show in history.

Nick Albrecht, director of theatre at Cowley College, is directing the production. 

“The show has been a whirlwind for our cast and crew with only two weeks to build, rehearse, and perform,” Albrecht says.  “Our team has been working morning, noon, and night to get this show ready for our audiences and we can’t wait to share the fun and endearing story.”

Albrecht adds that the show will appeal to everyone.

“The timelessness of this show comes from its characters with all their flaws, but the playwright also continually updates the show to keep it fresh,” Albrecht says.   “You’ve got references and jokes in this show to appeal to audience members from all generations, including mentions from Sophie Tucker to HD TVs.”

Several of the actors are interns for the Southwestern College Theatre Festival, including Jenni Warren and Emma Bate.  Both enjoy the show for different reasons.

“I am very excited for this show, as not only have the interns put in so much work so quickly, but the show also has a unique plot with hilarious side stories,” Warren says.  “My hope is that we will have our audience leaving with their sides hurting from so much laughter. My favorite part of the show is that we each have our own special moment. The great part about such a small cast and show is that we each get to personally connect with the audience and everyone has their moment to shine.”

“What I love the most about ‘Nunsense’ is that it’s such a delightfully weird show,” Bate says.  “The premise of the show - five nuns put on a variety show to raise money to bury their dead sisters that they’ve been keeping in the freezer - is so strange and so, so hilarious. While the show was written in the 1980s and is popular with older audiences, I think that the sense of humor the show has may actually be more suited to the young people of today. ‘Nunsense’ is a great show because it embraces the weird and crazy and turns it into comedy that any audience can appreciate and enjoy.”

Jessica Burk, choreographer and house manager for the show, particularly embraces the female empowerment displayed in “Nunsense.”

“What I love about ‘Nunsense’ is these strong female characters who are witty, silly, and 100 percent their whole selves,” Burk says.  “They are joined in sisterhood and are always there for one another. I think it’s something that still strikes a chord in this day and age. Women empowering and loving fearlessly their fellow sister is so important and pure. It’s something we must continue to live by and these ladies are a great reminder of that.”

Along with Albrecht directing, the musical director is Tyler Demaree. The cast includes: Emma Bate as Sister Mary Regina, Mother Superior; Lizzy Santana as Sister Mary Hubert; Jenni Warren as Sister Robert Anne; Miranda Hofmeister as Sister Mary Amnesia; and Maya Damron as Sister Mary Leo.

Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $6 youth or students.  Individuals can order tickets by calling (620) 221-7720, (620) 229-6272, or by emailing boxoffice@sckans.edu.