Nunsense May 21, 2008

Nunsense, the hilarious off-Broadway musical sensation with book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin, previews May 14th, opens May 21st, and runs through July 13th at The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive. Starring Alene Robertson, Nunsense also features audience favorite Rachel Rockwell making her Marriott Theatre directorial debut.

More than 20 years after it opened off-Broadway, Nunsense has been a hit in more than 26 countries, in more than 5,000 productions worldwide, and translated into 21 languages. The original 1985 production won four Outer Critics' Circle Awards, including Best Off-Broadway Musical, and ran for 3,672 performances, making it the second longest running off-Broadway musical of all time. The New York Times called Nunsense, "A hail of fun and frolic - Nunsense, like the holy mother church, is a bona fide institution."

When the Little Sisters of Aptakisic discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has unintentionally poisoned 52 of their fellow nuns, they are in desperate need of money for the burials. To raise the funds they decide to stage a wild variety show, and they take over the Marriott Theater for their venue. Headliners include Reverend Mother Regina, a former circus performer; Sister Robert Anne, a streetwise nun from Brooklyn; Sister Mary Leo, an aspiring ballerina; and the delightfully wacky Sister Mary Amnesia, who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head. With madcap ballet and tap dancing, a rowdy audience quiz, bingo at intermission, hysterical nun-puns, and riotous surprises, Nunsense is charming and irreverent musical entertainment for people of all ages and faiths.

Chicago favorite, Alene Robertson, quickly became a popular star at The Marriott Theatre, wowing audiences and critics alike in such shows as Chicago, Gypsy, Hello Dolly, Annie Warbucks and Mame! In 1997 Alene turned Nunsense into a hysterical hit, and now returns to the role of the Reverend Mother. Rounding out the all-star cast of Nunsense is Melody A. Betts as Sister Hubert, Debbie Laumand-Blanc as Sister Robert Anne, Abby Mueller as Sister Amnesia, and Laura E. Taylor as Sister Leo.

In addition to Director/Choreographer Rachel Rockwell, Musical Direction is by Beckie Menzie (Marriott debut), Sound Design by Cecil Averrett, Properties Design by Greg Isaac, Lighting Design by Jesse Klug, Costume Design by Nancy Missimi, and Set Design by Tom Ryan. Patti Garwood conducts the Marriott Theatre orchestra.

The performance schedule for Nunsense is Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. With the purchase of a $55 ticket on Wednesdays and Thursdays, dinner in either Kings Wharf or Fairfield Inn restaurants is included. This special offer is based on dining availability. All other performance ticket prices are $45.00, excluding tax and handling fees. A $5.00 discount for students and seniors is valid on Wednesday and Sunday matinee performances. Dinner packages for Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances are available for an additional $40.00 per person at Kings Wharf and $30.00 at Fairfield Inn. Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets with a major credit card, call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit www.marriotttheatre.com.

Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of ajaniszewski.