Directing Nunsense
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Printed Date: 6/07/25 at 8:55pm
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Topic: Directing Nunsense
Posted By: stickboy
Subject: Directing Nunsense
Date Posted: 6/24/05 at 8:35am
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Hey Guys, I'm new here and would like some information reguarding experiences directing Nunsense. I don't really know a whole lot about the show. I know the music and the basic story. I've been thrown into directing this show at the last minute and have some questions and concerns. I don't have a script yet, so I have no idea really what is involved. I'm just trying to educate myself on the show.
Is the Grease set pretty standard and can you use whatever set you want? Are there specific set pieces that propell the story along? Is there room for some major choreography, or are we talking simple staging? It seems that there is tap dancing and ballet pointe. How involved? Character breakdown and ages? Open for interpretation? Absolutely any other advice tidbits or whatever would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Steve |
Replies:
Posted By: tristanrobin
Date Posted: 6/24/05 at 10:54am
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You can probably get all the info you need at:
http://www.nunsense.com you definitely need the Grease soda-fountain truck - and the drive in movie screen and car from Grease. And - though the main set IS from "Grease," it's actually the gym of the neighboring boys' school where there is a production of "Grease" going on. So, the set is a fun combination of a high school gym - and a set for "Grease". If you are not a dancer, get yourself a choreographer. The tap dancing and regular choreography is definitely able to be done by novice dancers - but it needs a real dance teacher/ choreographer to get it there. You want your nuns to look good so that they're cute - not pathetic and subject to ridicule. The ballet is a solo, so you really only need one who can do pointe work (and I've seen the show done without the pointe work - it's not as as effective - but it's funny anyway). Whoever you get to play Sister Mary Amnesia - get the puppet for her EARLY so that she has a LOT of time to practice her ventriliquism. It's complicated - and shouldn't be left to the last minute. YOu can get a script from Samuel French (I think it's seven bucks) and buy a copy of the filmed production for showtime from the nunsense.com site. Have fun - the show is a lot of work - but it's a real treat for audiences - and the cast always LOVES being part of it! |
Posted By: stickboy
Date Posted: 6/25/05 at 5:34am
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Thanks for your imput and advice I will definately keep those things in mind. Again, I'm just not that familiar with the show and am getting myself familiar with it, does Mary Amnesia actually do vantriliquism? On my CD there are the two voices singing at the same time. Any insight? Thanks
Steve |
Posted By: tristanrobin
Date Posted: 6/25/05 at 6:52am
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LOL
yes - there are two voices - they're both Amnesia I would definitely advise getting a script - or at the very least, a copy of the video, so you know what you're getting into! LOL |
Posted By: Pheonixfyre
Date Posted: 7/19/05 at 5:41pm
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I'm actually in performances of Nunsense now. I'm the director and I also
play Leo. I advise you to watch the movie. You'll get a better sense of whats going on. I'll tell you now though, OUR audiences have LOVED it. Be prepared to spend some money. Sister Mary Annette is pretty expensive whether renting or buying, and some things you just can't do without, like a projector and a screen. You'll see....LOL ------------- I think I'll try Defying Gravity 
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Posted By: RobertAnne
Date Posted: 8/15/05 at 3:30pm
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Hello, Pheonixfyre ... Can you tell me where you got MaryAnnette? I'm working with a group doing the show at Thanksgiving and we're looking for a decent source for props. Thanks in advance! ------------- RobertAnne |
Posted By: theaterbrat
Date Posted: 8/24/05 at 4:46pm
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When I was stage manager for Nunsense 2, we used a church
puppet, and then I made a nun's habit for it. |