Nunsense opens in Bartow Nov. 10

After 3,672 Off-Broadway performances (and a few hundred stops along the way) Nunsense, the musical finally arrives at The Schoolhouse Players’ stage. This musical comedy holds the record of being the second longest running Off-Broadway show … and arguably the funniest.

Why so long getting to The Players’ stage? Director Brad Smith says, “For a wonderful, wacky musical like this, you have to wait until you have the just-right cast. And now that’s what we have!”

Rosie Burge, of Bartow, comes to Nunsense as Mother Superior Mary Regina. Her favorite Schoolhouse Player productions have been A Farce of Habit and A Bench in the Shade, but this play may top her list.

“Working with these amazing women as well as our great accompanist has been a wonderful experience on so many levels. Brad Smith’s direction is on spot as usual,” Burge said.

Carli McGahee, of Wrens, is delighted to return to the stage as Sister Mary Hubert. Having previously graced the theater in 2020’s heartwarming performance of Anne of Green Gables, McGahee is thrilled to once again bring her talent and enthusiasm to the stage.

Mary Alice Poole returns to the spotlight as Sister Leo after a 20-year hiatus since her memorable performance in Honky Tonk Angels. Nunsense marks Mary Alice’s fifth appearance on the Bartow stage.

A resident of Wrens, Leslie O. Stavely, brings her love of singing to the stage as Sister Mary Amnesia. When Leslie is not pastoring alongside her husband, she is also leading the praise and worship team at Praising Him Ministries.

Becky Weimar, playing Sister Robert Ann, is a newcomer to the Bartow Players stage, but is no novice to the theater. After having been an All State Chorus member and having had several leading roles in the Delaware Valley area in productions of The King and I, Paint Your Wagon, The Music Man, and Fiddler on the Roof, she took her talents and moved South. She has had several roles in comedies such as Faith County, Faith County II , Nunsense and Steel Magnolias. This is not her first time as Sister Robert Ann either. She is reprising her role from back in the early 2000’s.

Jefferson County High School art teacher Robin Lane brings her love for theater and art to the Schoolhouse Players helping with the set, props and other details. Lane has studied theater in England and designed sets and lighting for several productions at Georgia Southern University, namely Chicago and Hamilton! Robin also worked on the Players’ last set for the play A Bench in the Shade.

Backed by John Russell, associate pastor of First Baptist Church of Louisville, as pianist Father John and choreographed by Leia Giddens of Sandersville, the cast delivers two dozen songs that will tickle your funny-bone and a couple of dance routines that are … well, hard to describe.

Director Brad Smith, an on again, off again resident of Bartow, has previously served as set designer, director, stage hand, actor, light and sound, costumer and makeup man at previous local performances. His favorite Schoolhouse Players productions include Driving Miss Daisy, Dixie Swim Club, Tuna Christmas, Duck Hunter Shoots Angel, and Wedding Belles.

How much fun can one show be? Come to Bartow’s Community Center, Mancin Auditorium and see for yourself. Tickets are available at the door. Adults $15, Students $5. Performances are at 7 p.m. Nov. 10, 11, 17, and 18. There is also a matinee performance at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19.