Nuncrackers

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Reverend Mother Sister Mary Regina (Roxie VanCamp).

Sister Mary Hubert (Mary Trailor)

Sister Mary Robert Anne (April Gothard)

Sister Mary "Amnesia" Paul (Sirci Kiter)

Sister Leo (Leanne McCurley)

View Pictures in a Slide Show

More Rehearsal Pictures

Photo's by

"Lynn Davis/Studio Pacific Photography"

~

Claire Willard

For those who could use some vigorous comic relief as the countdown to Christmas continues, the Chetco Players present the crazy musical comedy "Nuncrackers" for three weekends, starting Dec 5th at the Chetco Playhouse in Brookings.

"We all think back on sentimental memories at Christmas, but we also want the holidays to be a joyous time with laughter and friends," says director Nancy Carson, "and who better to provide that laughter than that hysterically unforgettable gaggle of nuns known as the Little Sisters of Hoboken?"

The famous frisky nuns appeared twice before when The Chetco Pelican Players staged "Nunsense" and "Nunsense 2," from the series of seven "Nunsense" shows written by playwright Danny Goggin. Both were very well received comical shows with a big audience turnout, according to Carson.

The latest "Nunsense" holiday production, "Nuncrackers," is set in the cellar of the Mount St. Helens School For Children where Sister Mary Robert Anne (April Gothard), Sister Mary "Amnesia" Paul (Sirci Kiter) and Sister Mary Hubert (Mary Trailor) are starring in their own TV special, taped in a cable access studio built in the basement by Reverend Mother Sister Mary Regina (Roxie VanCamp).

Also in the show will be the students from the school, played by Tristen Taylor, McKenna Davis, Dylan and Brooke Hiller. Rounding out the rest of the cast are Erik Gothard as Father Virgil, Ron Lewis as Father Frances and Leanne McCurley as Sister Leo. Music Director and arranger of "Nuncrackers" is David Godino.

Of course, in the zany style of the "Nunsense" frolics, things don't go as planned and the whole school erupts into mayhem. Add some fractured Christmas carols and a "Secret Santa" component that involves audience participation, and you have all the ingredients for some real holiday-inspired fun.

According to director Carson, one of the most hilarious scenes takes place during Act II when the nuns try to recruit some new sisters and perform a number titled "In the Convent," imitating the Village People's classic 1970's hit song "In the Navy."

There's also a segment focusing on Mother Superior's introduction to the Catholic Home Shopping Network, where she comes up with some very unusual items for Christmas. "The fun never really ever stops," adds Carson.

As an additional benefit this year, the Chetco Pelican Players will be distributing toys to the needy children in the area at the close of th production. So when you plan on attending the show, please bring a gift to put under the Christmas Gift Tree or bring the name and address of a local needy family with children so the theater might help to fulfill their Christmas dreams.