A Note from the Author

I spent a great deal of my life around nuns. And most of my experiences left wonderful memories. I wrote "Nunsense" because I wanted to share what I knew to be "the humor of the nun." Though it may be hard to believe after you read this script, each of the Little Sisters of Hoboken is based on a real-life nun.

Sister Mary Regina was to the outside world a model Mother Superior even if she was overweight. But to those who knew her, she was an outrageous, quick-witted soul who knew how to get a laugh. She tried to convince you that she was strict, but everyone knew that her "bark was worse than her bite!"

Sister Mary Hubert was a kind person who would always try to be understanding and diplomatic. She taught the Novices the ground rules, and was supposed to be dignified. But with the slightest bit of encouragement she was ready to kick up her heels.

Sister Robert Anne was a tough streetwise nun who had a heart of gold. All the kids adored her because she spoke their language. And she could hit a baseball "out of the park."

Sister Mary Amnesia was the picture of innocence. She couldn't remember her past and so she looked at each new day with a childlike joy.

Sister Mary Leo had been a professional dancer before she entered the convent and was always eager to display her talent. She was very impressionable because she was young and could easily be led astray.

In the context of Nunsense, Sr. Mary Regina (Reverend Mother), Sr. Mary Hubert and Sr. Robert Anne are the only nuns who actually worked in the Leper Colony. Sr. Mary Amnesia and Sr. Mary Leo only know of the Leper Colony through the stories told by the others. Rev. Mother and Sr. Hubert have a healthy rivalry (somewhat like Mame Dennis and Vera Charles in "Aunite Mame"). Each is always trying to outdo the other. But, Rev. Mother is always quick to remind everyone that she is the Mother Superior. Sr. Robert Anne is Rev. Mother's nemesis. She would probably be thrown out of the convent if it weren't for the fact that Rev. Mother really knows that Sr. Robert Anne is, underneath it all, a very dedicated nun. Everyone likes Sr. Mary Amnesia because she is so innocent. Except for her first entrance when she appears a bit shy, she is unafraid. When she realizes that the audience is friendly nothing can dampen her childlike enthusiasm. Sr. Mary Leo is frustrated by Rev. Mother in her attempt to shine as a nun-ballerina. For this reason she is easily led astray by her "buddy" Sr. Robert Anne.

Before the performance and during intermission the sisters wander through the auditorium, on the stage, etc., as they please. For, after all, they are in their own school. They are very much "at home". As the performance progresses they become equally "at home" in the spotlight!

The script indicates that the sisters are performing on the set of the "8th grade production of Grease," and they are accompanied by a band. However, it should be noted, that the sisters could just as easily present their "benefit" in a church basement with an old upright piano and no set at all. "Nunsense" is a musical comedy for everyone-everywhere!