Review: 'Nunsense II The Second Coming' at Niantic Bay Playhouse

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

Niantic Bay Playhouse produced a delightfully funny production of Dan Goggin’s musical comedy “Nunsense II The Second Coming.” This show was the inaugural musical at this relatively new venue.

The second in the “Nunsense” series is a rollicking and wacky trip with the beloved nuns, to which Goggin wrote the music, book and the fun lyrics. This installment of the series includes a BINGO card inserted into the program book that the audience uses for an ill-fated game.

There was not a weak link in this talented cast and the actors were perfectly cast as the well-drawn characters, for these nuns are definitely characters.

Maureen Pollard led the nuns as Sister Mary Regina, the Reverend Mother. Pollard had just the right mix of sternness and former circus performer as the nun in charge (“Look, Ma, I Made It.”) Pollard is a visiting nurse by day.

Melissa Rostkoski played Sister Mary Hubert, Mistress of Novices, in her Playhouse debut. Hubert is a great role and the actress made the most of it. She was a delight in her duet with Regina called “The Classic Queens.”

Grace Gilbert donned the black sneakers to portray Sister Robert Anne, the nun from New York who calls Regina “Rev.” Gilbert has the acting chops to carry off this street-wise nun and, wow, can she sing. Her duet with the “Rev,” “Look, Ma, I Made It,” was so much fun, and her solo of “I Am Here to Stay” was fabulous. She also got to perform the “habit humor” bit. The actress played Wednesday Addams on this stage in “The Addams Family” (snap, snap.) She also spent the winter on the Essex Steam Train as a cast member for the Christmas show.

Erin Sousa-Stanley, the executive/artistic director of the Playhouse and show’s producer, was able to get up on the stage in the hysterical role of Sister Amnesia, who is actually named Sister Mary Paul. Sousa-Stanley nails every part of Amnesia, from the ditzy voice, to the comedic elements (especially with the puppet Sister Mary Annette) and the look of the nun that was famously played by Semina De Laurentis.

The actress hung up her directing shoes for a bit and returned to performing after a long hiatus. She is a recipient of a CT Critics Circle Award, and a two time recipient of the Sondheim Award for directing. She has directed the award winning Stonington High School theater program for over 20 years.

The beautiful young actress Fabiola Galvez was the perfect choice for the dancing Sister Mary Leo, who performed on heelys. Galvez was part of her second show on this stage and the Halo Award nominee used her magnificent singing voice to perform “Pulled” at the 2023 Halo Awards.

Andrew Schoepke played the monk who serves as the stage manager of the sister’s show, and the actual stage manager of the production. Schoepke is a Biological Science Laboratory Technician by day and was excited to share the stage with all of these talented and hilarious ladies.

Jaron Wilbur was the sound tech director, Nathaniel Hilzinger was the lighting tech director. The set team included Bob Sousa, Keith Brayne, Bob Salen, Dan Deknis and Spencer Stanley. The scenic design was the work of Emma Frisbie and Carla Frisbie. The costumes were the requisite black habits that were accessorized with colorful add ons. There are plenty of fun props that help move the numbers along, many with a Pirates of Penzance theme.

The Niantic performances were well directed and choreographed by Keri Danner. Chris Stanley served as the music director and conductor while playing piano at the side of the stage, dressed in a full nun’s habit and called “Sister Christian.” The lucky students at Stonington High School have Mr. Stanley as the choral/musical director, where he has conducted five choirs for 24 years.

The drummers included Dave Brush, Jacob Graham and Tyler Campbell.

“Nunsense” appeals to everyone, but Catholics will probably appreciate some of the jokes just a bit more. Truth be told, some of the references are probably getting a bit dated, but they are still funny to those of us old enough to remember. For sale in the lobby was “communion” wine and a “Holier than Thou” cocktail.

Next up in the 2024 season is “The Wedding Singer,” “The Miracle Worker,” and “A Christmas Carol Spectacular.”

Now in its second season, The Niantic Bay Playhouse is the home of the East Lyme Regional Theater and is located at 279 Main St. in beautiful Niantic.