Published: February 09, 2007 09:53 am      

DLO offers ‘Nunsense’ redux

Actors recall former director's tragedy

DANVILLE — What better place than a church to watch “Nunsense”? Danville Light Opera will reprise its 1992 performance of the musical with dinner-theater presentations next weekend at St. James United Methodist Church.

Both the meal and the entertainment will be served up in the church’s community room.

“It’s exciting that we’ll perform this in St. James. It will make it seem as if it’s real,” said Suzy Smalley, who plays the reverend mother.

Because audience interaction is a large part of the show, realism is important.

The musical comedy depicts a fundraiser put on by members of the Little Sisters of Hoboken. Proceeds from the event will be used to bury nuns accidentally poisoned by a fellow nun and their cook.

“We break down the fourth wall in this show,” director Lisa Richter said, referring to the invisible barrier between the cast and the audience.

Richter, a drama teacher in the Champaign high schools, encouraged the actresses who play the nuns to concentrate on making their characters seem real.

During a recent rehearsal, she reminded the cast, “Convince yourself that you are this person, including the reasons why you became a nun. You need to stay in character, not worry about if you miss a line or a dance step. You need to sell it!”

Richter, who appeared in Red Mask Players’ “Bell, Book and Candle” earlier this season and with DLO in “Cinderella” last season, said, “There’s so much for this cast to learn because it’s so small. They all sing the majority of the songs. They all have their lines, and they all dance. Most of them will tap for the first time.”

The first-time DLO director credits another teacher who inspired her for the professionalism she exhibits.

“Greg Williams touched my life and that of so many others in the cast,” she said. “I wouldn’t be a teacher or be in theater without his encouragement.”

That statement precipitated a rush of comments about Williams, who seemed to be a presence in the show without any direct involvement.

“Many of us were involved in ‘Working’ last year,” said Karen Grove, musical director. “Greg directed that show. He taught us that characters have to be real.”

Stefanie LaReau, who also worked with Williams in DLO, plays Sister Amnesia in “Nunsense.” She described her character as “very dingy, but sweet and innocent.”

“This part has been a break from the reality of Reagan’s death,” LaReau said, re-ferring to the July 2 murder of Williams’ 2-year-old granddaughter.

No one has been charged in the crime.

LaReau dedicated her performance to Reagan in her program biography.

“It’s been so tough to watch him and his family go through what they have since Reagan died,” Jeanne Dunn said.

She plays Sister Hubert and credits Williams for rekindling her interest in musical theater.

“I wouldn’t be doing this if Greg hadn’t cast me in ‘Blood Brothers,’” she said. “When I moved to Danville from the East, I didn’t plan on becoming involved with community theater here. But because of him, I am.”

Amanda Coutant and DLO-newcomer Jessica Brackmann complete the cast of “Nunsense.”

FYI

Danville Light Opera will present “Nunsense” at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16 and 17 and 1 p.m. Feb. 18 at St. James United Methodist Church’s community room. Tickets are $28 for adults and $22 for students high school age and younger, and include dinner from What’s Cooking. Make reservations by calling the DLO box office at 431-1660 or visiting DLO’s Center Stage in the Village Mall from 2-4 p.m. Sunday or 7-9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.