Meshuggah-Nuns!

This fifth stage production in the popular franchise that includes Nunsense and Nuncrackers revolves around a “Faiths of All Nations” cruise aboard the S.S. Golden Delicious, during which the cast members of the planned mounting of Fiddler on the Roof all become seasick—except for Howard (David Edwards), who plays Tevye. The ship's captain asks the nuns onboard to join Howard in their own unique interpretation, which they do. And so Howard sings, dances, and engages in light banter with the ladies: Reverend Mother (Bonnie Lee) and Sisters Robert Anne (Deborah Del Mastro), Hubert (Bambi Jones), and Mary Paul, aka Amnesia (Jeanne Tinker). Although game for a challenge, the sisters aren't sure they have anything in common with the musical's characters until Howard notes that “no one can make you feel guilt better than a Jewish mother,” at which point they launch into “Contrition,” a take-off on “Tradition.” In other bits, Sister Amnesia performs a magic act in which she pulls a rabbi out of a hat, and Howard and the Reverend Mother sing “Say It in Yiddish.” The premise allows Jews and Catholics to poke gentle fun at each other, although no one is likely to take offense. Directed for TV by David Stern, Meshuggah-Nuns! is essentially Fiddler on the Roof meets Sister Act—with cornier jokes, although the cast (from the original New York production) has fun with the material. Optional. Aud: P. (K. Fennessy)