Nuns are coming to this part of the Bible Belt, and this time, it's not to scold you - it's to make you laugh.
On Oct. 23, the comedic musical "Nunsense" will open at Telfair Peet Theatre at 7:30 p.m.
"Nunsense," directed by professor Dan LaRocque, features a cast of five students who portray the Little Sisters of Hoboken. When 52 nuns in their convent are poisoned with botulism in potato soup prepared by their cook, the sisters need money to cover the burials. To raise the funds, they put on a variety show.
"What ensues is a funny and very entertaining evening of comedy, song, and dance," LaRocque said. "It's made the show a popular hit around the country for the last 30 years."
LaRocque, a big fan of the show, said it's impossible to pick out a scene that's funnier or more entertaining than the rest.
"It's sort of like being asked as a parent who your favorite child is - they're all favorites, but for different reasons," LaRocque said. "There are so many funny scenes and songs in the show, and I know our audiences will agree."
"Nunsense" will be the first production performed in the new black box theater - part of the newly constructed addition to Telfair Peet Theatre.
LaRocque said "Nunsense" is the perfect show to inaugurate the more intimate theatrical experience for the audience.
"The show itself is vastly entertaining," LaRocque said. "But the energy and enthusiasm our students exhibit is what makes this production so much fun to come and see."
Kathleen O'Hara, senior in musical theatre, plays the Reverend Mother.
O'Hara said it's been fun to play a character who's in her 60s and wear a fat suit while doing it.
"This past summer, I got to play Elle Woods in 'Legally Blonde,' so this character has been a big change from that," O'Hara said. "She's this crazy, funny nun and she's become a big part of me."
O'Hara said the Reverend Mother isn't the type of role she's used to playing.
"It's a whole new experience for me," O'Hara said. "It'll be new for students too, but I think they'll really enjoy it. There's a scene where the Reverend Mother picks up a bottle of 'Rush,' an inhalant, and gets high after a few sniffs. It's hilarious and students will love it."
While it will be the first show in the new theatre, O'Hara and other actors agree "Nunsense" will be memorable for its hilarious element of improvisation.
"It's a very audience-oriented show," O'Hara said. "Many of the lines we say are improvised, and depend on how the audience reacts. You'll never see the same show twice."
Hannah Rae Faulk, junior in musical theatre, plays Sister Hubert, the Reverend Mother's right-hand woman.
"She's this sassy nun who works hard, but never gets recognized for it," Faulk said. "She really enjoys the variety show the sisters put on. Throughout the show, you really see the heart of Hubert."
Faulk said students will enjoy "Nunsense" because it's different from other shows the theatre department has put on before - and not because it's about a group of comedic nuns.
"Here in the Bible Belt, many people grew up religious," Faulk said. "They'll enjoy it purely because it pokes fun at that. They'll laugh along with humor they've grown up with."
The hours of rehearsal have been tiring, but Faulk said strong relationships with the other cast members have made all the difference.
"We're like a family," Faulk said. "We were already friends, but this show has pushed us out of our comfort zones and bonded us in ways I could never have imagined."
O'Hara said the small cast of five women has made it a special experience.
"Since there's only five of us, we're all on the same playing field," O'Hara said. "Everyone has lots of lines and dance numbers, so there's no competition. Even when we're exhausted and strung out, we cut up all the time because we just love each other."
Faulk said whether you're religious or not, the show is relatable for everyone.
"'Nunsense' shows the heart of so many different types of people and each nun can relate to some person in the audience," Faulk said. "Nuns celebrate everyone. They talk about different people's religions and celebrate it with them. It's very celebratory of people having hope in something bigger than themselves."
"Nunsense" will be performed most weeknights at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. until Nov. 2.
Tickets are free to students, and can be reserved through the theater department. Visit http://cla.auburn.edu/theatre/student-tickets/ to reserve a ticket.
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