If you’ve always dreamed of staging your own cabaret but aren’t quite sure where to start, perhaps a little Divine intervention will help!
Sally Jupp will dish out some Sisterly advice when she steps back into the shoes of Sister Robert Anne (of popular Nunsense franchise) and takes on One-Nun show, Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class, this September.
Becoming Sister Robert Anne is getting to be a habit for Sally, who has stepped into the role twice before.
“I was very young when I first saw Nunsense on stage and even as a teenager I resonated with Sister Robert Anne in particular because she was funny, cheeky and seemed to have the most fun on stage,” Sally said.
“While living in Bundaberg almost 20 years ago I was in Nunsense 3: The Country Jamboree and in [the first] Nunsense with NQOMT in 2018, playing Sister Robert Anne both times.
“When I discovered there was a one-Nun musical with Sister Robert Anne I nearly fell off my horse!”
Sally continues to be challenged by the role.
“She challenges me vocally – which is why I recruited the amazing Alyssa Oliveri as my Vocal Coach and Director – but she also allows me to tap into my own sense of humour and ad lib in a way that will take the audience laughs to the next level.”
The Cabaret Class stitches together some of the loveable Nun’s most memorable numbers from 10 other Nunsense musicals, interspersed with humorous stories, hilarious impersonations, and some very funny audience interaction.
“This is the biggest performing challenge of my life as there is no-one to take the slack or cover for me if I get wobbly or forget a line,” said Sally.
However, there is some welcome moral support, in the form of trusty sidekick and keyboard accompanist, Nancy Nicholson.
“Sister Nancy has a huge job of accompanying non-stop with the added responsibility of ad libbing and vamping if Robert Anne needs to catch her breath,” Sally said. “She is a gift from the Heavens! I asked Nancy to be part of this show because she is not just an awesome pianist but also a great actress and so can deliver the odd line here and there in great character.”
If you saw NQOMT’s 2018 production of Nunsense, you’ll have some idea of what to expect. However, Sally has taken it on herself to present this show independently at Magnetic Island’s Stage Door Theatre.
“An opportunity presented itself when owner and co-star of Stage Door Bernadette Smith was looking for an act to complement their regular weekend shows. It was ‘Devine Timing’ as I had just discovered this show. Before I realised it, I’d pitched the Show to Bernadette and she was thrilled with the concept. Next minute I was rehearsing along to the tracks in the car and applying for the rights and royalties to secure the show.”
Catch Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class on 13, 15 and 20 September at Stage Door Theatre, Magnetic Island. Click here for information and tickets.
