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Nunsensations! The Nunsense Vegas Revue

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Concord, CA.  November 6, 2006 – Those fun-lovin’, singin’ and dancin’ nuns from Nunsense are back -- and this time, they’re taking over Vegas! The setting for the newest adventure of the world’s most popular Sisters is the Pump Room Lounge, high atop the third floor of the Mystique Motor Lodge in the soul of Sin City.  And that means more fans, more feathers, more hats, more canes, more hoopla, and more hijinks than ever!  The Willows Theatre is hosting the West Coast Premiere and author Dan Goggin will direct, with choreography by Teri Gibson and musical direction by Kim Vetterli.  The production opens December 1^st and runs through December 31st.  Preview performances begin November 27^th.

The all-Equity cast members have performed in various Nunsense productions across the U.S. and include Deborah Del Mastro, Susan Goeppinger, Bambi Jones, Carrie Keskinen, and Jeanne Tinker.

Nunsensations: The Nunsense Vegas Revue takes the sisters on a brand new adventure. When a parishioner volunteers to donate $10,000 to the sisters’ school if they will perform in a club in Las Vegas, Mother Superior is hesitant to accept. However, after being convinced by the other sisters that “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” Reverend Mother agrees. What follows is the most feather-filled, sequin-studded, fan dancing Nunsense show ever! Performing in “The Pump Room” at the Mystique Motor Lodge, the sisters experience “show-biz” like never before. You’ll meet Sin-City Sue; find out who’s Black and White with Her Money on Red; and try to win a new car with the “Holy Rollers Giant Slot Machine.” Taking a line from another show, a critic pointed out, “It’s a whole lot funny and a little bit naughty, but there ain’t nothin’ dirty goin’ on!”

THE PRODUCTION TEAM

Dan Goggin, who has had amazing success writing the Nunsense series for over 20 years, will also direct this West Coast premiere.  Goggin, who grew up in Alma, Michigan, attended the Manhattan School of Music in New York City.  In the 1960s, he sang backup in the Broadway play Luther, starring Albert Finney.  He next toured with a folk group for several years.  After penning the music for a 1972 off-Broadway show called Hark!, Goggin stumbled into the world of industrial music, where he wrote jingles for brand names from L’Oreal to Halston.   In 1983, he created the original Nunsense, which burgeoned into an international phenomenon.  The Nunsense franchise has become one of the most prolific musical reviews in community, college, stock, and professional companies across the country and around the world.  To date, more than 5,000 productions of the five Nunsense musicals have grossed more than $300 million worldwide.

The design team includes scenery by Barry Axtell, costumes by Rich Hamson, lighting by Rich Latta, and sound by Sean McStravick.  Allison Ward* is production stage manager.

THE PLAYERS

Deborah Del Mastro* (Sister Robert Anne) toured with the 20th Anniversary All-Star tour of Nunsense with Kaye Ballard, Georgia Engel, Lee Meriwether, Darlene Love, and Mimi Hines.  Deborah also originated the role of Sister Robert Anne in Nunsense 3: The Jamboree; Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical, and Meshuggah Nuns: The Ecumenical Nunsense.

Susan Goeppinger* (Reverend Mother Mary Regina) originated the role of Sister Wilhelm in Nunsense Jamboree.  She followed that with Nuncrackers; Nunsense II as Sister Hubert; and Nunsensations as Reverend Mother.

Bambi Jones* (Sister Mary Hubert) recently appeared as Muzzy Van Hossmere in Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Flat Rock Playhouse in North Carolina. She can be heard on the original cast recording of Nunsensations!

Carrie Keskinen* (Sister Mary Leo) most recently appeared in the television special of Nunsensations! The Nunsense Vegas Revue after creating the role of Sister Leo in the World Premiere of the show at the Chanhassen Theatre in Minneapolis.  She performed with Georgia Engel in the national tour of Nunsense 3: The Jamboree and with Rue McClanahan in the television production of Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical.

Jeanne Tinker* (Sister Amnesia) can be heard singing backup vocals on Scott Wakefield’s CD, available at www.scottwakefield.com.  She has performed in countless productions of the various Nunsense shows and is thrilled to return to the Willows.

*Member, Actors’ Equity Association

Ticket and Schedule Information

Tickets are $30-$35 with discounts for students (6-18), seniors (65+), and groups (10+.  To purchase tickets call (925) 798-1300 or visit the Willows Theatre Company Web site at www.willowstheatre.org.  Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday at 7:30 p.m., with matinees Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m.

The Willows Theatre is located at 1975 Diamond Blvd. next to CompUSA and REI in the Willows Shopping Center in Concord, across the street from the Concord Hilton and one block east of the Willow Pass Road exit off Highway 680.

The Willows Theatre Company daytime box office is located at 1425 Gasoline Alley, Concord, at the corner of Bisso Lane, one block north of Concord Avenue.  The daytime box office hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday Noon-5 p.m.  The theatre box office and will-call window, located in the theater lobby, opens one hour prior to each performance. For more information call (925) 798-1300 or visit our Web site at www.willowstheatre.org.

Recipient of the 2002 Cyril Award of the San Francisco Business Arts Council for Nonprofit Arts Excellence, the Willows Theatre Company is led by Artistic Director Richard Elliott and Managing Director Andrew Holtz. The Willows Theatre Company 2006 sponsors are Rocco’s Pizzeria of Walnut Creek, Industrial Lumber of Martinez, Contra Costa Newspapers, Alphagraphics of Walnut Creek, The Crowne Plaza Concord, and US Bank (student/teacher discount ticket sponsor).

A special thank you to The Best Western John Muir Inn and Walnut Creek Toyota, both show sponsors.  The John Muir Inn will be housing the director, designers and actors for their entire stay in the East Bay.  Walnut Creek Toyota is providing cars for the actors while they are performing in the show.

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