Nunsense

A CONCORD THEATRICALS TITLE

Nunsense

Full-Length Musical, Comedy  /  5w

Book, Music and Lyrics by Dan Goggin

A zany, wholesome, hilarious musical revue presented by the Little Sisters of Hoboken, Nunsense is a heavenly delight!

Image: 2010 Cherry Lane Theatre Production (Courtesy of Dan Goggin)

Nunsense

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    5w
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Senior
Accolades
Accolades
  • Winner! Four Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best Book, Music and Off-Broadway Musical
Nunsense
Also Available
Nunsense: The Mega-Musical Version
Nunsense A-Men!

Details

Summary
Nunsense is habit-forming! This riotous show is a fundraiser put on by the Little Sisters of Hoboken to raise money to bury sisters accidently poisoned by the convent cook, Sister Julia (Child of God). Updated with new jokes, additional lyrics, two new arrangements, and a brand new song, this madcap musical was recorded for television starring Rue McClanahan as the Mother Superior.
History
Nunsense premiered off-Broadway at the Cherry Lane Theatre in New York City on December 12, 1985. Directed by Dan Goggin, the production featured Christine Anderson, Vicki Belmonte, Semina De Laurentis, Marilyn Farina and Suzi Winson. Nunsense ran off-Broadway for ten years.
Cast Attributes
Keywords
Performing Groups

SISTER MARY REGINA, MOTHER SUPERIOR: Female, 60’s (Range: B3-F5)
A feisty overweight Sophie Tucker-type who can't resist the spotlight.

SISTER MARY HUBERT, MISTRESS OF NOVICES: Female, mid 50’s (Range: G3-F5)
The second in command, she is always competing with the Mother Superior.

SISTER ROBERT ANNE: Female, Mid 30’s (Range: G3-D5)
A streetwise taught character from Brooklyn. A constant source of aggravation for the Mother Superior.

SISTER MARY AMNESIA: Female, Late 30’s (Range: Db4-C6)
This nun lost her memory after a crucifix fell on her head. She is very sweet.

SISTER MARY LEO: Female, Early/Mid 30’s (Range: G#3-G5)
The novice, who has entered the convent with the firm desire to become the first nun ballerina.

In the Original New York Production the Mother Superior was named SISTER MARY CARDELIA. In all subsequent productions the Mother Superior is named SISTER MARY REGINA, while SISTER MARY CARDELIA is the nun who modeled for the convent greeting cards. 

  • Time Period Present Day
  • Setting Mt. Saint Helen's School's auditorium. The present.
  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Additional Features Physical Comedy
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • No Special Cautions

Media

“Wacky and outrageous with a hysterical ‘anything goes’ sense of fun!” – The New York Times

“A hail of fun and frolic! Wacky and outrageous with a hysterical ‘anything goes’ sense of fun!” – The New York Times

“You don't have to be Catholic to love Nunsense!” – Entertainment Tonight

“Inspired madness! Go see it!” – Jewish Post and Opinion

“Guaranteed to lift your spirits... Very, very funny.” – National Catholic News

Videos

  • Nuns and Nunsense youtube thumbnail

    Nuns and Nunsense

  • Helpful Tools and Producing Nunsense youtube thumbnail

    Helpful Tools and Producing Nunsense

  • The Creation of Nunsense youtube thumbnail

    The Creation of Nunsense

  • Promo with Sally Struthers youtube thumbnail

    Promo with Sally Struthers

Photos

  • Nunsense

    Image: 2010 Cherry Lane Theatre Production (Courtesy of Dan Goggin)

  • Nunsense

    Image: 2010 Cherry Lane Theatre Production (Courtesy of Dan Goggin)

  • Nunsense

    Image: 2010 Cherry Lane Theatre Production (Courtesy of Dan Goggin)

  • Nunsense

    Image: 2010 Cherry Lane Theatre Production (Courtesy of Dan Goggin)

Music

Music Samples

Act I

1. Overture – Orchestra
2. “Veni Creator Spiritus” – Robert Anne & All
3. “Nunsense Is Habit-Forming” – All
4. “A Difficult Transition” – All
5a. Quiz Timer – Orchestra
5b. Quiz Fanfare – Orchestra
5c. Quiz Fanfare – Orchestra
6. “Benedicite” – Leo & Hubert
6a. Benedicite Playoff – Orchestra
7. “The Biggest Ain't The Best” – Hubert & Leo
8. Robert Anne’s Surprise - Orchestra
8a. “Another Surprise” – Robert Anne
9. “Playing Second Fiddle” – Robert Anne
9a. “Second Fiddle Conclusion” – Robert Anne
10. “So You Want to Be A Nun” – Amnesia & Annette
10a. Nun Playoff – Orchestra
11. “Mock Fifties” – Leo & Robert Anne
11a. “One Last Hope” – Hubert, Rev. Mother, Leo & Robert Anne
12. “Turn Up the Spotlight” – Rev. Mother
12a. Spotlight Playoff – Orchestra
13. “Lilacs Bring Back Memories” – Leo, Hubert, Amnesia & Rev. Mother
14. The Witch – Orchestra
15/16. “Turn Off That Spotlight/ Tackle That Temptation” – All

Act II

17. The Veil – Orchestra
18. “Growing Up Catholic” – Robert Anne, Hubert, Leo & Amnesia
19. “Clean Out The Freezer” – Hubert, Amnesia, Anne & Leo
20. Euthanasia’s Chord – Orchestra
22. “Just A Coupla Sisters” – Hubert & Rev. Mother
23. Soup’s On – Orchestra
24. “Second Fiddle (Reprise)” – Robert Anne
25. “I Just Want to Be A Star” – Robert Anne
25a. Star Playoff – Orchestra
26. “The Drive-In” – Robert Anne, Leo & Amnesia
27. Nunsmoke – Orchestra
28. “I Could Have Gone to Nashville” – Amnesia
28a. Nashville Playoff – Orchestra
29. “Gloria In Excelsis Deo” – All
30. “Holier Than Thou” – Hubert & All
31. “Nunsense (Reprise)” – All
32. Bows & Exit Music – Orchestra

  • Musical Style Classic Broadway
  • Vocal DemandsEasy
  • Orchestra Size Medium
  • Chorus Size No Chorus

Licensing & Materials

  • PLEASE BE ADVISED: There are multiple versions of this title. Before you proceed, please double-check to ensure that you are applying for the version you want. We will not be able to refund rental or shipping fees if you pay for the wrong version.

    If you’re not sure which version best suits your needs, you may purchase a perusal for each available version.

    NUNSENSE

    NUNSENSE: THE MEGA-MUSICAL VERSION

Music Rentals

Concord offers a full suite of resources to help you put on the show of a lifetime!
6   Piano-Conductor (rehearsal & performance)

1   Reed – Flute, Clarinet & Alto Saxophone
2   Trumpets 1&2
1   Trombone
1   Percussion – Temple Blocks, Wood Block, Cow bell, Small Triangle, Bell Tree, Mark Tree, Siren Whistle, Slide Whistle, Bird Whistle, Duck Call, BD, Snare Drum, Floor Tom, Hi-Hat, Crash, Ride & Splash
1   Synthesizer
1   Violin
1   Bass

Performance tracks available for an additional fee. Please contact your licensing representative for more information.
6   Piano-Conductor (rehearsal & performance)

Performance tracks available for an additional fee. Please contact your licensing representative for more information.
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Authors

Dan Goggin

Dan Goggin

Dan Goggin, a writer and director, came to New York from Alma, Michigan to study as a classical countertenor. He began his professional career singing in the Broadway production of Luther, starring Albert Finney. While appearing in a comic folk-duo called “The Saxons,” he beg ...

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