A whole lotta "Nunsense"!

The final touches are being added to the set, while rehearsals are reaching fever pitch for the upcoming musical "Nunsense", which will be staged by the Mullingar Charity Variety Group (MCVG) in the Mullingar Park Hotel from Wednesday, January 21 to Saturday, January 24.This hilarious musical comedy is all about the Sisters of Hoboken, who have come up with the bright idea of staging a variety show, featuring all of their own....unique talents, in order to raise money to bury 52 dearly departed members of their convent.The tale behind the untimely demise of the 52 nuns is not without its laughs however, as their early departure was due to them partaking of Sister Julia"s 'Child of God"s' soup, and now the remaining nine nuns must find funds to bury them!Fans of the hit musical Grease won"t be disappointed either, as the 'Year 8' convent nuns have chosen the rock and roll show as the background for their variety show, so audiences can expect to see some of the action take place in scenes from the famous diner and Sandy"s bedroom.ProceedsMullingar Charity Variety Group shows have been raising funds for local charities and organisations since their inception in 1995. To date, the group have raised a whopping €93,000, and hope to reach the €100,000 mark with the upcoming show.There are five charities and organisations that will benefit from 'Nunsense' this year, including Mullingar Stroke Unit, Irish Wheelchair Association, Killucan Community Creche, North Westmeath Hospice and Curraghmore School.Producer Ray McDonnell was quick to point out that the monies raised over the years are not down to the Charity Variety Group alone, but to all the local businesses and sponsors who have donated funds over the years, and of course to the audiences who come along for a good night"s entertainment.'We have been lucky with our support from the local community over the years. They have always come out and got behind us. We are delighted to be able to help out five charities and organisations this year, and we are looking forward to staging another successful show,' said Ray.Award winningThe group have been nominated for different AIMS awards down throughout the years, winning two in 2006 for their hit musical 'Honk!'. And anyone who has been to a MCVG show in the past will know the high standard of performance, set and storyline the group always strive to achieve. This year, says Ray, it is no different.'The production team of Petrina Mills, Eleanor MacDonagh, Joanna Daly and myself have worked tirelessly to come up yet another spectacular set and entertaining show and I can promise the audience won"t be disappointed,' he said.With snappy songs and great humour, this musical is suitable for all members of the family. So come along on any night to the Mullingar Park Hotel from Wednesday, January 21 to Saturday, January 24 to see how the remaining nuns get on. However, tickets are selling fast, with seats for the Friday and Saturday night shows almost sold out, so don"t be disappointed and get your tickets at a cost of €17 now from the Mullingar Park Hotel reception, Wilf"s on Castle Street Mullingar, the ticket hotline 086 3083542, or from any cast member.