POLAND SPRING— The ever-popular nonsense of “Nunsense” hits the stage at the Poland Spring Inn, and this production is exceptionally entertaining.

Thanks to the talents of several veteran actresses and a bright newcomer, “Nunsense” fills the hall with delightful music, dance and humor. It has been a favorite of audiences and performers since its off-Broadway introduction in 1986, and there have been 5,000 productions worldwide since then.

As soon as the five nuns of Hoboken take the stage, the audience is captivated by the outrageous antics that poke fun, and endless good-natured puns, at Catholics everywhere.

Kathleen Asquith’s appearance as Reverend Mother Sister Mary Regina is right on the mark. Her comic timing is great, from her “high”-light routine when she unwitting inhales a student’s secret “Rush” to her running friendship and competition with Sister Mary Hubert, her second-in-command at the convent. Her duet, “Just a Couple of Sisters,” with Sister Mary Hubert is a delight, as is her Sophie Tucker-ish “Turn Up the Spotlight.”

Eileen M. Messina, a veteran of many musical and dramatic productions in the area, is outstanding as Sister Mary Hubert. She delivers excellent vocal talent, but her particularly important contribution is the choreography she presents for all “Nunsense” characters. There is some well-done tap-dancing, some ballet and chorus-line kicks that keep the show moving all the time.

Renee Davis plays streetwise Sister Robert Ann. It’s the third time in several years that she has taken on that important role, and she is outstanding, both vocally and dramatically. Two of her solo numbers are “Playing Second Fiddle” and “I Just Want To Be a Star.”

Alice Ruvane plays Sister Amnesia with great comedic flair. Her remarkable vocal skill shines in “I Could’ve Gone to Nashville.”

Paige Weber, a junior at Edward Little High School in Auburn, is the newcomer to the Poland Spring Players. She makes a fine debut as Sister Mary Leo, whose passion for dance is expressed in a couple of numbers, both comic and heartfelt. Her introduction to theater goes back to the third grade, and she recently assisted in direction of her school’s production of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.”

Kathy Haley, a well-known area vocalist, provides fine piano accompaniment for the “Nunsense” performers.

David Lock directs, this being the fourth time in his long and distinguished acting and directing career that he has led a “Nunsense” cast and crew. He calls it his favorite show. Lock has been associated with Poland Spring Resort’s theatrical events for 40 years, as well as with theater companies throughout the region.

There are several delightful musical numbers by the entire cast, including the opening “Nunsense is Habit Forming” and “We’ve Got To Clean Out the Freezer.” Other duets and trios include a rollicking rendition of “Holier Than Thou” by Sister Hubert and company, and “Tackle That Temptation.”

Every Tuesday throughout the summer, Poland Spring Resort presents a show in the large banquet room on a simple platform stage with minimal props and technical equipment. 

There’s a distinct “let’s put on a show” flavor to the summer plays at Poland Spring Inn, something that gives them special appeal. Poland Spring Resort guests attend the shows along with members of the general public.The seating might be called bingo hall cabaret with banquet-size tables and chairs. It offers good opportunities to strike up an acquaintance with other audience members.

Go and do

WHAT: “Nunsense”

WHO: Poland Spring Players

WHEN: 8 p.m. every Tuesday through Aug. 21

WHERE: Poland Spring Inn

TICKETS: Call 998-4351