By Marisa Dawson, Photos by Marisa Dawson, Cast Announcement Graphic courtesy of BCT
The Bennington Community Theatre has announced the cast for its upcoming production of Nunsense, a musical comedy that will kick off the organization’s 2026-27 season during Bennington Founder’s Day weekend in September.
Directed by Eric Rothell and produced by Donna Dahlsten, the five-person musical promises an evening of comedy, catchy songs and audience interaction, brought to life by an all-volunteer cast and crew.
Cast in this year’s production are:
- Joey Hartshorn as Mother Superior
- Stephanie Olson as Sister Mary Hubert
- Kerry Greunke as Sister Robert Anne
- Sophie Knauss as Sister Mary Amnesia
- Laura Janssen as Sister Mary Leo
While audiences will experience the finished performance over just a few hours, Dahlsten said the planning process has been nearly a year in the making.
Because Nunsense was selected as the opening show of the theatre’s new season, planning began months before auditions. After the production was chosen, the creative team worked through every aspect of the show, from set design, costumes and props to lighting, sound, rehearsal schedules and budgeting. Once auditions concluded, volunteers shifted their focus toward rehearsals while others began building sets, sourcing costumes, gathering props and preparing the technical elements that will come together during the final week before opening.
“By opening night, dozens of people have contributed to turning a script into a full performance,” Dahlsten said.
Rothell said directing Nunsense was an opportunity to return to musical theatre after several years away from the genre. Although he wasn’t initially familiar with the show, watching clips of the original Broadway production convinced him it would be a good fit for Bennington audiences.
For those unfamiliar with the musical, Rothell described it as a fast-paced comedy filled with humor that doesn’t take itself too seriously. While some references from the show’s 1982 debut have become dated, he said the production will make small updates where appropriate while preserving the comedy that has made Nunsense a community theatre favorite for decades.
“I think the community will like it,” Rothell said.
Selecting the cast wasn’t easy.
During auditions, performers were evaluated not only on their singing ability, but also their movement, stage presence and comedic delivery. Rothell, who studied voice in college, said he was especially impressed by the depth of talent that turned out at auditions.
“I actually was really impressed with the talent that we got,” he said.
Dahlsten shared a similar impression, saying many performers arrived well prepared despite admitting they were nervous beforehand.
“The range of talent in our community is always impressive, but this year we saw an especially strong mix of voices, personalities, and natural comedic timing,” she said.
Because the show features only five onstage roles, Rothell said difficult decisions had to be made despite the strength of the audition pool.
“I put a letter out to everybody that didn’t get a part saying, ‘Hey, don’t feel bad, because there were a lot of good tryouts, but I can only pick five,’” he said.
Although rehearsals are now underway, one of the production’s biggest challenges has little to do with the performers themselves. Without a permanent theatre, the company rehearses in several locations throughout the community including their new space before gaining access to the performance stage shortly before opening.
“I can’t get on the actual stage until the first of September,” Rothell said.
Until then, scenes are blocked using tape on rehearsal room floors while cast members practice at locations including local churches and community spaces before transitioning everything to the stage during the final weeks of preparation.
Dahlsten said audiences can expect a production that keeps the spotlight on the performers. A simple, flexible set, traditional nuns’ habits with character-specific touches, upbeat music and plenty of physical comedy are all designed to make the show accessible and entertaining for first-time theatre-goers and longtime patrons alike.
“Give Nunsense a try,” Dahlsten said. “It’s a friendly, welcoming introduction to what local community theatre can be.”
Beyond providing entertainment, she said productions like Nunsense help keep Bennington’s arts scene thriving. Community theatre offers performers opportunities to develop their talents, introduces new volunteers to the organization and gives residents an affordable opportunity to gather and support local artists.
“For the community, it keeps creativity alive and gives people a place to gather, laugh, and support their neighbors,” Dahlsten said.
Rothell hopes audiences leave with exactly that feeling.
“I just hope the audience goes away with a smile on their face,” he said. “The ability to go into a theater and watch a show and escape from reality for a little while.”
Nunsense will be performed during Bennington Founder’s Day weekend in September:
- September 25, 7pm
- September 26, 7pm
- September 27, 2pm
Ticket information will be announced later by the Bennington Community Theatre.
As preparations continue for the new season, the Bennington Community Theatre is encouraging community members to consider joining its $100 Character Club. Memberships provide direct support for productions, educational opportunities and other programming that helps keep local theatre thriving for performers and audiences alike. More information about the program is available through the Bennington Community Theatre.
