The Order of the Little Sisters of Hoboken took the stage of Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown Inc. opening night Friday in “Nunsensations: The Nunsense Vegas Revue.” This funny and little bit naughty musical comedy is numbers six in the lineage of Dan Goggin, playwright/composer. The Sisters in fundraising mode accept the $10,000 challenge of a parishioner to headline in Las Vegas. “The Pump Room” of the Mystique Motor Lodge was decked in hues of pink, burgundy, black and white featuring a raised band platform dressed with an illuminated film loop skirting, wrapping chased stairs, suspended drapes, and poker chip dance boxes.

In a jovial manner the Sisters came down the aisle of the house soliciting audience participation for a game to follow. They taught the somewhat reserved audience a cheer with arm motions. Reverend Mother Regina(Jennifer Alhart Davis) was hesitant to accept the challenge but is convinced “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Davis was well cast in her role as the head of the convent attempting to keep the show under wrap, belting several show tunes, telling jokes and appeared to have fun. She grew up in the circus according to Bob Ostrom, revue Master of Ceremonies who provided embellished credits for each Sister. Jason Dorman is the vested Vegas Stage Manager.

Linda Rinaldo, who played the tough high school delinquent jokester, portrayed Sister Robert Anne. Rinaldo had great energy, consistent character with great phrasing and vocal versatility. This unrefined Sister told Regina that the audience was expecting some “T. and A.” – talent and attitude, where the Sisters chorused in a line with gold sequin hats and choreographed kicks.

Joann Feher Liffner added her spin on the spacey and incoherent Sister Mary Paul aka Sister Amnesia who has lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head. Sister Amnesia hosts a game of “Holly Rollers,” using a giant slot machine depicting the virtues: Faith, Hope, Charity, Will and Grace. Sister Mary Annette was her puppet nun who lacked verbal discretion. Amnesia appeared on stage to sing hiding the puppet within her habit. Her surprise was priceless when she pulled out her hand and the puppet was missing. Liffner stepped away from her classical voice to sing a country ballad and also belt out a few other show tunes.

Sister Leo left (Kenzie Mason) and Sister Amnesia (Joann Feher Liffner host a game of “Holly Rollers” as Vegas Stage Manager (Jason Dorman) prepares to spin the wheel.

Sister Mary Hubert was straightly portrayed by Danica Olson-Walter who warmed with the show enjoying songs “What Plays in Vegas, and When The Chips Are Down.” She sang a soulful 50s rock song that was right in her element. Her characterization improved with her confidence.

Kenzie Mason added youthful brilliance to her role of Sister Mary Leo, who wants to be a dancer. Mason’s smile and confident stage presence radiated through her clear, clean and innocent vocals as she danced pirouettes, soft shoe and modern techniques across the stage. Her ballad “I Left Him There,” was reflective, tender and sweet.

The Sisters of Hoboken were a little tentative with there opening “Life Is A Game of Chance,” but as they warmed up the Reprise was strong and energetic. The orchestra under the Musical Direction of Lucy Miller at the piano, consisted of Amy Cross, flute; John Cross, reeds; Ron Packard, Synthesizer; and Basil Getz. The strength of the orchestra varied throughout the production but they definitely came through for the larger production numbers and Reprise.

Jenny Cross, Choreographer provided realistic, fun, movement and dance sequences that complemented solo and group songs. The costume team consisting of Marie Peterson, Valerie Hays, Helen Merrill, Norm Merrill, Melissa Vullo and Julia Pettibon created numerous Vegas headdresses with feathers, gems, sparkling astronomy features, even the Hindenburg airship sported by Reverend Mother. Corset tops with accentuated busts and stars added realism to the burlesque number. Sisters wore traditional habits and large crosses. The tunics and headpieces could use a good pressing to remove the storage fold from the wardrobe.

Light Design by Technical Director Jason Dorman was straight forward with a few nice pictures using the ambiance of the illuminated film loop to ground more subtle scenes. A few times in the production the Sisters were on the stairs of the “Pump Room,” where the imbalance of lighting was noticeable with a hot spot and several darker spots. The use of follow spots was very effective and skillfully executed by Alda Brown and Maria McSkimming.

Sound Design by Doug Gray was flawless – no glitches. Running crew: lights – Aubry Richir; sound – Doug Gray and Matt Marchincin. Stage Manager Julia Pettibon. Properties by Heather Young and Melissa Vullo. Senior Carpenter noted as Norman Merrill. Assistant to Director was Lindsay Pullan. Helen Merrill as Artistic Director staged the show effectively with good space utilization and pace.

The audience appeared to catch most of the humor especially during “The Shtick.” Many of the songs were toe tapping and enjoyable. “Nunsensations” continues on the stage of Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown today at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.; Friday, May 19, and Saturday, May 20, both at 7:30 p.m., and closes Sunday, May 21, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance of each performance at $20 by calling the Little Theatre Box Office at 483-1095 or by visiting lucilleballlittletheatre.org/reservations. For more information, visit lucilleballlittletheatre.org/current-season.html. Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown Inc. is located at 18 – 24 E. Second St., Jamestown.