Nunsense Actresses Get into the Habit

There have been some transformations occurring at the Omaha Community Playhouse these days. What used to be the Howard and Rhonda Hawks Mainstage, which often showcases colorful costumes and mixed gender casts, is now the Mount Saint Helen’s School auditorium featuring an all-female cast donning only black and white…with a couple colorful odds and ends.

Some call the transformations good fortune; others call them divine intervention. Whatever the case may be, it is official the Order of the Little Sisters of Aksarben (“Little Axes”) have rehearsed tirelessly at OCP in hopes of putting on a successful fundraiser performance featuring song and dance numbers to lift the spirits.

Although the Nunsense actresses note they have enjoyed their rehearsal process, they confess they would miss the luxurious lives actresses lead if they were to really join the convent.

Meet some of the “Little Axes”:

Courtney Stein (Sister Mary Leo)

Character Background: The novice of the order — She came from a farm near Neely, Nebraska and entered the convent to dedicate her life to God through dance.
What Courtney would miss most as a nun: “I think it would be the most difficult for me to give up my wacky accessories and clothing … switching to a life of ‘penguin-coloring’ would be like losing a part of my personality. Also the shoes! They would literally have to pry my collection of shoes out of my death grip. Oh … and sweatpants. I live in sweatpants. I would miss my sweatpants most of all.”

Moira Mangiameli (Sister Mary Regina)

Character Background: The mother superior of the Little Sisters of Aksarben originally from a small county in Ireland, called Kilquirky
Most challenging aspects of the “nun lifestyle” for Moira: “I guess the community living might get to me after a while. I really value my privacy. I also wouldn't love the early rising, and I'm pretty sure my crappy knees couldn't take all that kneeling.”

Dawn Buller-Kirke (Sister Mary Hubert)

Character Background: She entered the Little Sisters of Aksarben upon graduation from Precious Blood Elementary School and currently serves the order as the mistress of novices, training new recruits with a gentle, but firm approach.
Most challenging aspect of the “nun lifestyle” for Dawn: “I would find it hard to only be around women. I love doing this show with women, but living 24/7 with only WOMEN — HOLY MOLY!”

Kim Alger (Sister Mary of Perpetual Assistance)

Character Background: The most tech-savvy of all the Little Sisters of Aksarben —She brought the order into the information age by creating the Little Sisters of Aksarben website and also established the Immaculate Internet Café.
What Kim would miss most as a nun: “I would most likely miss the material things the most. I am a collector. Books, recordings and Raggedy Ann are all scattered throughout my personal space.”

Come support the Little Sisters of Aksarben’s fundraiser performance in Nunsense taking place in the Howard and Rhonda Hawks Mainstage Theatre, March 4-April 3, Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 for adults and $24 students. For groups of 15 or more, adult tickets are $29 and student tickets are $18. To purchase tickets or for more information, call (402) 553-0800, visit the Box Office or click here.

Story by Maria Becvar