PARADISE –The first show of Theatre on the Ridge’s 50th anniversary season this year is “Nunsense,” a musical comedy, representing the troupe’s productions in the 1990s.
The plot goes as follows, according to the “Nunsense” website: When their cook at the convent accidentally serves up some tainted soup, 52 of the sisters are poisoned and die, leaving only five nuns who were not home the day of the toxic meal. The convent’s Reverend Mother splurges on a plasma TV, and the sisters find themselves strapped for cash, as they still have to bury four dead nuns (whose bodies are being stored in the kitchen freezer). The nuns decide to put on a benefit performance to raise the rest of the money before the health department discovers their secret.
The musical was written by Dan Goggin and the show was choreographed by Nan Miner. Actress Olivia Alcantara plays the Reverend Mother in “Nunsense.” The musical is Alcantara’s grandmother’s favorite musical.
“When I told her about the opportunity she lit up and told me all about it,” said Alcantara.
The other actresses are Kellen Staub as Sister Mary Hubert; Anna Calvert as Sister Mary Amnesia (and also the lighting designer); Kelsey Campbell as sister Robert Anne, and Lil Vasquez as Sister Mary Leo. Alcantara enjoys working with an all-female cast.
“I like that female energy, and working with my friends is a good time,” Alcantara said.
“Nunsense” is Alcantara’s first show at Theatre on the Ridge. Alcantara started performing in theater when she was around 9 or 10, participating in children’s programs in Grass Valley, where she grew up.
Her favorite shows she’s performed in Chico are “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” at Chico Theater Company, because she loves 1960s music and got to act with her best friends, and “The Musical of Musicals: The Musical” at CTC, which was a big challenge for her.
“That was the first time I had ever fully sung through a play,” Alcantara said. “It was very intense vocally. It taught me stuff I didn’t know, and I really appreciated that.”
She said playing the Reverend Mother is very different for her because the character is “very stern. Most of the time I play confused and ditzy characters so this is a nice change.”
Alcantara says audiences should know the show is interactive, with the actresses talking to audience members — and there will be a quiz with trivia about the show, with prizes.
‘So much fun’
Alcantara has loved working with “Nunsense” director Andy Hafer.
“He’s such an incredible director,” she said. “He’s so much fun. We all laugh together.”
Hafer is delving back into directing, having directed his first show many years ago. He is very familiar with Theatre on the Ridge, having performed in shows there since he was 12. He celebrated his 12th birthday backstage after “The Dark Side of the Moon,” his first play.
“This cast has been amazing,” he said of the “Nunsense” actresses. “They’ve all been a dream to work with. They show up and do their stuff and their harmonies are amazing.”
Hafer’s grandmother, Fern Wilson, served on the original Theatre on the Ridge board, and now Hafer is on the board.
“I feel like we have a good reputation for putting on good work,” he said. “I love the vibe. It’s fun and a pleasant experience, and we are doing the best art we can.”
Hafer will return to the stage in “Too Many Cooks,” which he originally performed in during the COVID-19 pandemic, and “Return to Paradise.”
“Too Many Cooks” had to be shut down before the final weekend.
“I did an ugly cry after the show got yanked,” he said. “It was such a shock. Getting to do it again is pretty exciting. I have good friends who can’t wait to see it. It was the talk of the town.”
Tamara Allspaugh has thoroughly enjoyed music-directing “Nunsense.”
“Working on this show has been a wonderfully rewarding experience due to the talent and superior work ethic of the cast,” Allspaugh said in an email. “Each actor is talented and delivers their own unique vocal ability to their role. Andy has been an amazing director who is easy to work with, as well.”
Allspaugh started singing in church when she was around five years old and began studying voice in 10th grade.
“I’ve performed professionally, singing and acting, for over 30 years throughout the United States,” she said. “I love it. I’ve taught music and drama in Chico Unified School District since 2000, ranging from kindergarten through high school. I also music directed shows for 10 years at Butte College. I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to music-direct ‘Nunsense’ and can’t wait for the performers to shine!”
“Nunsense” begins Thursday, Jan. 23 and runs through Sunday, Feb. 9. Showtimes are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; there are Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Feb. 2 and 9. Tickets are $25 for reserved seats, $22 for general and $28 at the door. There will be a champagne reception with cast and crew after the show opening night at no additional charge. Tickets can be purchased at totr.org. The theater is located at 3735 Neal Road in Paradise and the theater phone number is 530-877-5760.
Source: Paradise Post
