By Marisa Dawson

Bennington Community Theatre is getting ready to bring a little holy hilarity to the stage this weekend with its production of Nunsense, a lighthearted musical comedy centered around a group of nuns putting on a variety show.

The production opens Friday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. at Bennington Elementary School, with additional performances Saturday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m.

Tickets are still available for Friday night’s opening performance, giving local theatergoers a chance to be among the first to see the production.

For the cast, the show is all about having fun, and sharing that fun with the audience.

“It’s a fun show… I think it’s different,” said Stephanie Olson, who plays Sister Mary Hubert. “It’s just a fun show, and I think we need that right now… And what’s funnier than nuns in a variety show?”

Olson’s character has her own ambitions, creating a bit of an internal conflict as she navigates her desire to become Mother Superior while remaining devoted to the role she already holds.

Joey Hartshorn, who plays Mother Superior, said one of her favorite parts of the production has been the cast itself.

“We have such camaraderie and we have such a good connection,” Hartshorn said. “We trust each other, which makes a really good cast.”

For Hartshorn, the goal for the audience is simple: “Laughter,” she said. “Lots of laughter.”

“And I want everybody to laugh,” Hartshorn added. “That’s what we should do most of the time anyway.”

The production also brings together performers with different backgrounds and experiences. Laura Janssen, who plays Sister Mary Leo, said she had never performed ballet before taking on the role.

“I’ve never done ballet in my life, and I’m assuming people can tell I’ve never done ballet in my life, but it’s a comedy, so that’s the point,” Janssen said.

Janssen said she also hopes audiences can enjoy the show’s humor even when it pokes fun at aspects of Catholic culture.

“I grew up Catholic, and I think it’s funny,” she said. “I really hope that people can know that even something religious can be funny… You can laugh about it and you can still have a good time with it.”

Sophie Knauss, who plays Sister Mary Amnesia, drew inspiration from children she works with to develop her character’s childlike sense of wonder.

“Sister Amnesia just looks at everything with childlike wonder and I get to play and be really genuine with it still and yeah bring a very silly character,” Knauss said.

Behind the scenes, music director Susan Steinke said the production’s score runs through a variety of musical styles, including big band, waltzes, gospel, rock and roll and a more old-fashioned vaudeville and classic theater sound.

“It covers a lot of classic genres,” Steinke said.

Bringing those musical styles together requires plenty of repetition, communication and practice, particularly because the musicians perform behind the set where the singers cannot always see them.

And the production is more than just the performers on stage. A number of Bennington High School students are also helping bring the show to life.

Producer Donna Dahlsten said students are serving in several important roles, including Prise Yates conducting the orchestra, Preston Nocita running the lights, and several more serving in various vital roles. 

“So we have a lot of student involvement,” Dahlsten said, before adding that she believes the student involvement is an important part of the production.

“I think that’s a nice thing to happen,” she said. “It really is a good thing for the community.”

With a cast, musicians, crew and students all working together, Nunsense promises an evening filled with music, comedy and plenty of theatrical fun.

Tickets are available at our.show/nunsensebct.

Performances are scheduled for:

• Friday, Sept. 25 — 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 26 — 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 27 — 2 p.m.

All performances will be held at Bennington Elementary School.

Friday’s opening-night performance still has tickets available, so those looking to be among the first to experience Bennington Community Theatre’s latest production can grab their seats and prepare for a night of laughter. Stay tuned for our full show recap and photos after the weekend ends!