Nunsense 2 Opens Mainstage Season of Tibbits Summer Theatre
COLDWATER – Tibbits Summer Theatre opens its 60th consecutive season Thursday with “Nunsense 2” and the crazy antics of the singing and dancing nuns from the Little Sisters of Hoboken.
Piggybacking off the musical hit “Nunsense” from the 2022 season, the fun and misadventures continue to follow the five nuns in this sequel. Featuring book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin, the Little Sisters of Hoboken return…funnier, zanier and more lovable than ever!
Director Julie Dingman Evans, new to this year’s production, says it’s not necessary to have seen last year’s show to enjoy yourself. She calls Nunsense 2 “a hilarious litany of holy humor that picks up right where we left off with our sisters, as they sing and dance their way into our hearts and help us all remember that community and belonging are what really counts in the end!”
Having been “bitten by the theater bug,” the nuns present a “Thank You Program” dancing and singing for all who supported them in last year’s benefit. Amidst their high-spirited performance they deal with rumors of talent scouts in the audience and Franciscans who want to claim Sister Mary Amnesia as one of their own. With antics and catchy songs like “Winning is Just the Beginning,” “The Padre Polka” and “What Would Elvis Do?” audiences will be rolling in the aisles!
“Nunsense 2” is directed by Evans with musical direction by Cindy Garn. Choreography is by Annie Ross. Four of the five “original” nuns from last year are back, featuring Brenda Sparks as Mother Superior, Kiersten Vorheis as Sister Mary Amnesia, Cheyane Marie as Sister Mary Hubert and Gianna Branca as Sister Mary Robert Anne, as well as Annie Ross as Sister Mary Leo. The design staff features Jaye Beetem as scenic designer, Dusti Donbrock as costume designer, Jamie Gresens as lighting designer with Tyler Evans as associate lighting designer. Props are by Ray Louise Sunshine, Luis Guzman Galdos joins as sound designer, with Aaron Bell as technical director and Ariel Sheets as production stage manager.
“Nunsense” is sponsored by CBPU, a proud sponsor of the Tibbits Summer Theatre since 2015. As a local public utility provider, the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities (CBPU) is committed to serving the people. By partnering with organizations, the CBPU dedicates resources to initiatives that leave a positive impact on the community. The Tibbits Opera House strengthens art, music, and culture in the City of Coldwater, while the CBPU strengthens Coldwater by providing residents with safe, reliable, and affordable utility services. These services include electric, water, wastewater, and telecommunications (GIG Fiber Internet, TV, and digital phone).
Tibbits also receives grant funding from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council as well as the National Endowment for the Arts.
Tickets for “Nunsense” range from $20-43 including fees. Discounts are available for Tibbits members, groups and students. Performances run June 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24 at 7:30pm with matinees on June 15 and 21 at 2pm. Tickets are available online at Tibbits.org, in person at the Tibbits Box Office located inside the theatre or at the Tibbits Admin Office at 93 W. Chicago Street Monday-Friday 9-5, by calling 517-278-6029. All tickets are charged a facility/ticketing fee whether in person or not; there are no additional fees for ordering online.
To add to the Tibbits experience, Tibbits Ghost Light Bar in the theatre’s lower-level art gallery is open before the show and at intermission. Patrons are also invited to view current art gallery exhibit or the historic exhibit displays throughout the theatre.
After “Nunsense 2”, the fun will continue with “Disney’s The Little Mermaid”, “Grease”, and Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor.” Season tickets for the mainstage shows range from $126-$135 (including fees). Popcorn Theatre for families also hits the stage most Fridays and Saturdays through August 5.
All performances are held at the beautiful historic Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett Street, in Coldwater. For more information, call or visit Tibbits.org.