Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical opens Nov. 22 right in Thamesford

Susan Cole’s Sister Mary Paul takes the stage during a dress rehearsal of Westminster United Church’s production of Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical. The musical opens on Nov. 22 and runs Nov. 23, 29, and 30 at the church on 115 George St in Thamesford. (Connor Luczka Photo).

Connor Luczka, Echo Correspondent

If you haven't gotten your tickets for Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical yet, don’t worry. Tickets are available at the door but just make sure not to make a habit of it.

Westminster United Church’s annual holiday show is the beloved Nunsense holiday special and Rev. Mark Marshall, who plays Reverend Mother Sister Mary Westminster in the production, said that attendees should expect a professional show that challenges any preconceptions of volunteer theatre.

“We have a talented church,” Marshall told the Echo. “Lots of music, lots of drama, in a good way! And it seemed to be a good fit. We've always, always had a lot of comments from people saying they can't believe it's just volunteer theatre, because we try to make it as professional as we can.”

The show features the first TV special taped by a beloved group of quirky nuns in their convent basement. It is filled with “nunsense,” humour, fan-favourite carols, and a take on Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet, among other feature pieces.

Marshall said that barring a break during the COVID-19 pandemic, the church has been running a holiday show since 2011. In that time, they have produced a number of Nunsense productions, a series of shows written by celebrated playwright Dan Goggin which feature the same cast of nuns.

“I think they should expect to laugh a lot,” Marshall said about what attendees can expect. “They should expect us to be making fun of ourselves in the church a bit that is certainly a bit irreverent, and we're okay with that, as long as other people are okay with that.”

In the past Marshall said that proceeds from their shows were used to fund the church’s operations or mission trips; however, this year they are hoping to do something different. They intend to start a food security program in Thamesford, given the amount of need in the community.

They are hoping to kick off that program in 2025, barring any setbacks. Organizers are hoping to raise $12,000 with this show, though noted that musicals are typically more expensive to run given the royalties needing to be paid.

He noted that the show can be cheeky, so those faint of heart may want to prepare for some bleeping and blackouts, especially when the puppet Sister Mary Annette takes the stage.

“We’re trying to let people know this doesn’t have to be stuffy,” Marshall said. “When it’s not a worship service, it’s just a good space.”

Five shows are planned. Opening night is Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. On Nov. 23, Nov. 29, and Nov. 30 there are evening shows at that same time, as well as a matinee on Nov. 30.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.onstagedirect.com/buy/event_info.action?showId=2217. Additionally, tickets will be available at the door.