While the Rivercity Players are busy preparing their production of Nunsense, a comedic musical opening Nov. 16, the actors thought it would be fun to share some thoughts about their characters and the play while they work on their lines and musical numbers in preparation for bringing the piece to the public.
Doris Wagner – Sister Mary Regina (Mother Superior)
How would you describe your character?
I think she is a fun loving, mischievous person, with a very dry sense of humour. She rules with a bit of an iron fist and the nuns respect her for that, but they also know that she is really a big softy.
How are you and your character similar or different?
I definitely rule my home life with a ruler, much to the chagrin of my daughter, so that’s one thing. I also like order. Even though she’s a fictional character, I also believe my faith has helped me through and guided me in my life. On the other hand, I certainly don’t wear a habit when I seek the spot light!
What does your character bring to the play?
Even though she’s been given this responsibility to be in charge of people’s lives and run this convent, they still have to pay the bills. Right now, she’s mucked up – but she owns it, and she’s going to fix it. If you do it with humour, it’s easier to swallow for everyone involved.
What is your favourite part of the play?
There’s so many! The drive in song – I love, love, love that. I also love her and Sister Amnesia’s discovery – how that whole thing happens – I love it.
Beth Miller – Sister Mary Hubert
How would you describe your character?
Definitely she wants to take control of everything, and she wants to be the star. She thinks she can run the show better than anyone else.
How are you and your character similar or different?
I do like to be in control of things! I come from a long line of type A people who could very successfully rule the world. I am not type A myself but I found lots of inspiration for the character!
What does your character bring to the play?
My character brings stability to the play. All of the characters have some obtuse characteristic that creates dysfunction and I feel my character keeps everything together in her own obtuse way.
What is your favourite part of the play?
Definitely Sister Mary Annette!
Judith McFarlane – Sister Robert Anne
How would you describe your character?
She is a dedicated nun, but she’s a little bit street wise and kind of rough around the edges. She desperately wants to be a star.
How are you and your character similar or different?
I’m also a little rough around the edges, and I like to have fun. But I’m definitely not nun material – let’s just leave it at that!
What does your character bring to the play?
She brings some tender moments, but she also brings mischievous moments. She’s fun loving and likes to make people laugh.
What is your favourite part of the play?
There are so many good parts! I think my personal favourite part is “Growing up Catholic.” But I like it all – it’s such an awesome show - the music, the harmonies, the humour – it’s all great. I’d like to say tap dancing, but I’m having a hard time with singing and dancing at the same time. There are four of us tap dancing so it’s quite a spectacle.
Lori Gooldrup – Sister Mary Amnesia
How would you describe your character?
Sweet and innocent and very forgetful. She has suffered memory loss, but throughout the play, she has these moments of clarity.
How are you and your character similar or different?
Very similar! I don’t know about sweet . . . oh, I get that a lot! And forgetful – we have a strong resemblance.
What does your character bring to the play?
She brings some very humorous moments, and also some sentimental ones.
What is your favourite part of the play?
It’s probably the most enjoyable play I’ve ever done – the whole thing is very fun! This is the biggest role I’ve ever had and the most lines, so it’s a bit scary but very enjoyable and the girls I’m working with are awesome.
Kristine Isfeld – Sister Mary Leo
How would you describe your character?
She is the novice sister, so she is the youngest. She is a little bit naïve, but she is also a bit of a goofball at the same time. She’s learning and she gets pulled into things, and gets into trouble, because she’s naïve and doesn’t know any better.
How are you and your character similar or different?
I don’t think I’m naïve! We both love to dance – she’s the dancer, and I’ve been dancing since I was three. We both love the spotlight, and have a love for ballet. I’m not young anymore, even though they are portraying me as young – I find that hilarious!
What does your character bring to the play?
She’s brings the dance component as she is the only one that is an actual dancer. There is a pretty funny dance scene in there. And the fact that she is young and the new one, brings the naïve side of things.
What is your favourite part of the play?
Oh, there are so many funny pieces. I don’t want to give it away, but there is one scene that the Reverend Mother does that is hysterical – she does it so well.
Nunsense runs at the Rivercity Stage Nov. 16-19 and Nov. 23-26, starting at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Nov. 20 and 27, starting at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at Rivercity Stage Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at Impressions Custom Framing, CR Laundromat, Tidemark Theatre – including online at tickets.tidemarktheatre.com