Theatre review: Metro Theatre’s Nuncrackers puts an early festive twist on the musical franchise
This time out, the Nunsense sisters produce a chaotic Christmas special for cable-access television
Metro Theatre’s Nuncrackers. Photo by Moonrider Productions
Metro Theatre presents Nuncrackers to November 14
LAST SEASON, METRO Theatre breathed fresh life into the “habit-forming” musical comedy Nunsense, featuring a group of charismatic, spotlight-obsessed nuns. Now, the exuberant sisters are back for more in Nuncrackers, the holiday-themed installment of the Nunsense series. And while missing some of the refreshing qualities of Nunsense, Nuncrackers delivers much of the same warmth and likable personalities, this time with a festive twist and some entertaining new additions.
For those thinking it’s a tad early for holiday fare, there’s a practical explanation. In the original Nunsense, Sister Amnesia recovers her memory and discovers she’s won the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. Now flush with cash, the sisters have the resources to produce a Christmas special for cable-access television. And as Sister Mary Regina (Jennifer Suratos, who also directs) explains, holiday specials must be filmed well in advance.
Naturally, the sisters have a full lineup of entertainment planned, but things go awry, prompting some frantic improvisation and delightful comedy, including accidental drunken antics and an unexpected tap-dance battle.
Three of last season’s five performers are back. Alongside Suratos are Mary Cleaver as the street-smart Sister Robert Anne and vocal powerhouse Paula Higgins as the level-headed Sister Mary Hubert. Joining them is the terrifically animated Keri Smith as Sister Amnesia. And Father Virgil (Vincent Keats) joins the festivities as a welcome addition to the onstage antics.
As Reverend Mother, Suratos reprises her measured, no-nonsense portrayal, occasionally letting her playful side emerge. She also demonstrates engaging storytelling in “A Carnival Christmas”, using expressive vocals and physicality, including mimicking a tightrope walker, to paint a larger-than-life visual.
Cleaver likewise brings back her tough but tender interpretation of Sister Robert Anne, particularly in her touching rendition of “Jesus Was Born in Brooklyn.” Smith is hilarious as the scatterbrained Sister Amnesia, especially during her amusing audience interactions. Meanwhile, Keats delivers pleasing vocals in “The Christmas Box”, and a terrific comedic turn in a Julia Child–inspired parody.
As with Nunsense, the first act concludes with a standout song-and-dance number. In this decidedly ballet-free interpretation of The Nutcracker, Suratos and Keats lead the cast in Shelley Stewart Hunt’s crowd-pleasing tap choreography, highlighted by a clean, synchronized triple time step. Keats also contributes impressive athletic moves throughout the show.
Another standout number is the jazzy trio “The Three Kings”, featuring Cleaver, Higgins, and Smith delivering sassy choreography, comedy, and tight harmonies. Kudos to music director Carlina Dykstra for helping to oversee strong vocals and harmonies throughout the show, while leading the small but mighty four-piece band.
All this unfolds against Starlynn Chen’s eye-catching set, which transforms the basement of Mount Saint Helen’s School into a festive space adorned with holiday ornaments, twinkling lights, and a Christmas tree.
Metro Theatre’s Nuncrackers. Photo by Moonrider Productions
As director, Suratos incorporates inventive touches, including bringing assistant stage manager Jaeden Walton into the action. Walton’s constant scrambling to deliver props and move set pieces adds to the frenzy of filming a live television special.
There’s also a cinematic element, with Walton occasionally operating a camera that projects live footage onto a screen above the stage.
Still, as the fourth installment in Dan Goggin’s series, Nuncrackers lacks the magic of Nunsense. Neither Goggin’s book nor score achieves the same level of wit and charm as Nunsense, with less comedy within the songs and a greater emphasis on sentimentality.
The stakes also seem low. Although the sisters’ television special supposedly goes off the rails, their setbacks feel relatively inconsequential compared with the calamities of Nunsense.
Last season’s Nunsense also benefited from contemporary touches, including references to Taylor Swift and Ryan Reynolds, alongside some playful modern mannerisms.
Still, fans of the franchise will enjoy reuniting with these endearing characters. With familiar faces, spirited performances, and enjoyable newcomers, Nuncrackers offers a welcome return to the Little Sisters of Hoboken. It's also a great primer to get you in the mood for the upcoming holiday season. 
Related Articles
