Hickory – One of the comic elements in the plot of Nunsense, opening July 12th at the Hickory Community Theatre, is a clash of egos between Sister Mary Regina, the Mother Superior of the convent, and Sister Mary Hubert, the mistress of the novices. In the Hickory production the actors in these roles have had previous experience with the show. 

Nunsense centers around a variety show fundraiser being put on by the Little Sisters of Hoboken to raise money for the burial of 52 nuns who died of food poisoning from a bad batch of soup prepared by their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God. Mother Superior is a former circus performer who believes she knows how best to run the show but faces opposition from her second-in-command, Sister Mary Hubert.

Jill Grose, who plays Sister Mary Regina, previously played the role back in 1997 in Denver, Colorado, where she and her husband James resided until four years ago. Other roles she played there include Louise in Always, Patsy Cline, the Judge in Ten Little Indians, and Gail in Rumors. She first appeared on the Hickory stage in 2015 as Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man. This her second time as a nun in the past year – she played Sister Mary Martin in Sister Act last September.

When asked about why she chose to audition for Nunsense and what she enjoys most about the Theatre Grose said, “I love reprising a role I performed years ago. I always look for theatre wherever I live because I meet the best, nicest friends.”

Tiffany Christian, a resident of Boone who plays Sister Mary Hubert, said, “I have played a different character in this show but have secretly dreamed of this role. Sister Hubert is sassy but sincere, feisty but faithful. HCT is a very nurturing environment in which I feel supported. I feel like I’m always learning something new.”

This is Christian’s third time on the Hickory stage. Most recently she played Sarah’s friend in Ragtime and sang the soul stirring “Till We Reach That Day,” the finale to act one. Originally from South Carolina, she moved to Boone 14 years ago to teach at Appalachian State. Her first experience at HCT was being in the ensemble of The Wiz, where she also got to share the stage with her son, RJ.

Evening performances of Nunsense are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, July 12th through the 21st at 7:30pm. There are also two Sunday matinee performances on July 15th and 22nd at 2:30pm.

Tickets for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for students and youth 18 & under. Thursday night tickets for adults and seniors are $16, students and children are $10. Tickets are on sale online at hickorytheatre.org or through the Theatre box office, in person or by phone at 828-328-2283. Box office hours are 12-5 Wednesday through Friday.

This show is a production of the Theatre’s seniors’ company, the Encore Players. Nunsense is suitable for all audiences.

HCT is a Funded Affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County. The Theatre’s 2018-2019 Season is sponsored by Paramount Automotive and A Cleaner World. 

PHOTO: Jill Grose plays Sister Mary Regina and Tiffany Christian is Sister Mary Hubert in Nunsense. The madcap musical comedy plays in the Firemen’s Kitchen July 12-22 at the Hickory Community Theatre. Visit www.hickorytheatre.org or call (828) 328-2283 for tickets and information. Photo by John Koval.