Hickory – Nunsense, opening July 12th at the Hickory Community Theatre, is a musical comedy about five nuns who stage a variety show fundraiser for their convent. They need the money to bury the 52 sisters who died of food poisoning from a bad batch of vichyssoise prepared by the convent cook, Sister Julia, Child of God. Under the direction of their Mother Superior and the Mistress of the Novices, the other three sisters – Robert Anne, Mary Amnesia and Mary Leo – bring unique talents, and personalities into their work.

Sister Robert Anne, played by Denise S. Bukhovan, is a rough and tough nun who was once a juvenile delinquent. She’s a jokester who constantly challenges authority and displays her lack of refinement.

Sister Mary Amnesia, played by Andrea Long, has lost her memory and does not know who she is except that she is a nun. She is spacey and incoherent, and often behaves in ways inappropriate for a nun.

Sister Mary Leo, played by Joan Coppinger, is the novice nun, still learning the way and coming to terms with her decision to give up “civilian” life. She is also easily swayed to join in mischief.

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 www.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: (from left) Joan Coppinger, Denise S. Bukhovan and Andrea Long are three of the wacky sisters in Nunsense. The madcap musical comedy plays in the Firemen’s Kitchen July 12-22 at the Hickory Community Theatre. Photo by John Koval.