Thank you for your support of NUNSENSE
The 20-year mark is here - two decades of providing professional, high-quality opera and musical theater to the Grand Valley by High Desert Opera. And to celebrate our 20th Season, we returned to the Avalon Theatre and performed NUNSENSE on Dec. 31st, 2022
2 hilarious shows at the Avalon
Hundreds of patrons took advantage of the two opportunities given to attend NUNSENSE at the Avalon Theatre, and they were not disappointed.
The nuns of Hoboken filled the theater with laughter with their mesmerizing performances, and Scott Betts conducted a small but poignant orchestra in bringing the musical score of this funny show to light.
Both the matineé and evening performances entertained from start to finish, and made for a pleasingly lighthearted way to welcome the year of 2023 - on the eve of Avalon's 100th-year Anniversary. Thank you in volumes to Stephen Doyle and the Avalon Theatre Foundation for its support of NUNSENSE.
Principal Cast
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Jill Davis - Sister Mary Hubert
"For me, having the opportunity to work and play alongside my extraordinary cast mates in Nunsense is an exciting one! It's already been so much fun to be a part of creating a thoroughly enjoyable comedy experience that's so important because that will translate to everyone who comes to enjoy the show. It has helped me to stretch as a performer. Community theater is a passion for me and in addition to having the privilege of working and growing with HDO, I've also worked with &Company and Get Uncomfortable Productions locally in Grand Junction in various capacities."
"As I get to know Sister Hubert better, I find that we have quite a bit in common. We are both ambitious performers who hail from the East Coast, we can be a bit sassy and we sure aren’t shy about getting a good laugh or two. Most of all, we are both in love with performing and ensuring a good time for all!"
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Miram Deming - Sister Robert Anne (sassy nun from Brooklyn)
Miriam graduated from CMU with a BA in Vocal Performance and Music Education. She has sung with HDO numerous times, most recently Donna in Mamma Mia 2018/2021. She also played Rachel in the locally written and produced operetta/folk musical One Bike. Miriam has also sung with many local performance groups, including soloing with the Messiah Choral Society, First Presbyterian Concert Choir, and Mariachi San Jose de los Santos.
She is currently the choir director of Charisma Chorus, a non-profit choir for children ages 9-14. She also teaches singing lessons in her home studio and BodyBalance classes at Mesa Fitness gym. "However my most rewarding and challenging endeavor is being mother to my 6 and 2-year-old and adopted mom to my 19 year old. Thank you to the support of my husband also, who holds down the fort when I am at rehearsals!"
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Juli Jacobson - Sister Amnesia (sweet and forgetful nun)
Juli is thrilled to bring Sister Amnesia back to the stage after portraying her almost 30 years ago!
"I have always loved this hilarious show and Sister Amnesia is a dream role... she's such an un'forget'table character. I get to act, dance, tap, sing opera AND country music...and with some of the most talented ladies I know! I hope we can stop laughing in rehearsal so we can actually start putting this show together - ha!"
Juli Jacobson has appeared with High Desert Opera in numerous productions over its 20-year stint, fulfilling lead roles in shows like Guys & Dolls, Mamma Mia, Les Misérables, and more.
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Lana Leigh Rogal - Sister Mary Leo (novice of the group)/Choreographer
Mrs. Rogal is a 3rd generation dance and performance instructor, choreographer, entertainer and featured dancer whom has performed and taught all across the Midwest for 25+ years. Lana is proud to direct and perform with the Dynamic Outreach Performance Troupe &COMPANY. Lana would like to thank her incredibly talented kids and friends for being her light and sends love and appreciation to her husband, Ian. "Thank you to patrons and to High Desert Opera for supporting Performing Arts in our community!"
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Joey Stafford - Reverend Mother (Sister Mary Regina)
Hello everyone! I’m Sister Mary Regina, or Mother Reverend to the sisters. I hope you’ll come to our show! The sisters and I have been working hard on a few musical numbers for your enjoyment and entertainment!"
"Sister Hubert has been critical since I mismanaged some funds for…well it was important! I’m hoping to be able to rectify the situation! As mother superior, I do have a lot on my plate! If only things would stop falling off my plate. Anyway, so consider spending some time with us New Year’s Eve. I do love being in the spotlight and I can’t wait for your applause, Um, I can’t wait to entertain you, for the sisters and I to entertain you. Toodle-a-loo!"
Additional cast
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Jill Delavan - Nun (stage manager for variety show)
“Wow! A chance to appear with 5 very talented ladies and I only have to memorize one line!” From the lady with sticks to a Winkie in the Witch’s chambers, Jill’s career with HDO speaks for itself, having been a staple of the troupe’s ensemble for many years. “Thanks to Jim and Marnie for making a dream a reality.”
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Jenna Lay - Dancing Sister
“I’m so excited to come onto this show as a dancer. NUNSENSE is such a fun musical with numbers you’ll never forget.” Jenna has been dancing since 7th grade and has fallen in love with the art. Her on-stage endeavors include theater and choir. “I am thrilled to make my HDO debut and thanks for coming. Have a great time!”
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Jaeda Rogal - Nun (stage manager for variety show)
Jaeda is a senior at Palisade High School. She comes from a background of dance, theatre and music, and is currently in 5 different choirs. Her dancing and acting career stretches all the way back to the age of 4, and she is “very excited” to show off her tap-dancing skills. Jaeda has also appeared with &COMPANY - her most recent role being Pepper Patty in Snoopy! The Musical.
Orchestra
- Scott Betts - Conductor
- Mary Ellen Foutz - Reeds
- Judd Berry & Ron Bradly - Trumpet 1 and 2
- Greg Karly - Trombone
- Nolan Quinn - Percussion
- Adrian Herrera-Escobar - Synthesizer
- Max Reilly - Piano
- Sandy Sundstrom - Violin
- Cody Yakamow - Bass
What is this NUNSENSE?
A plot summary of this hilarious show...
"The nuns of the Little Sisters of Hoboken have decided to put on a fundraising show to raise money to bury sisters accidentally poisoned by the convent cook - Sister Julia Child of God."
A word from one of the (toe-tapping) nuns
"Nunsense is a classic comedy you will find hilariously entertaining the entire time, with fabulous music, fun lyrics, comedic choreography, touching moments and amazing talent performing on the historical Avalon Theatre Stage. You will be escorted thru an amazing theatrical experience!" ~ Lana Rogal (Sister Mary Leo)
Special thanks to the Avalon Theatre Foundation
Steve Doyle, President of the Avalon Theatre Foundation, is no stranger to High Desert Opera. He has been in numerous shows with the troupe and has been one of HDO's biggest donors and contributors throughout the years.
His introduction to both showings of NUNSENSE in celebration of the Avalon's 100th-year Anniversary was nothing short of wonderful, and HDO couldn't be more grateful for his support - both on AND off the stage. Thank you Steve!
Learn more about Avalon's upcoming events and the foundation!
NUNSENSE feedback from patrons
Feedback to be posted
Want to be in/on HDO's next production?
If you would like to be involved either on or off the stage in HDO's upcoming staged efforts:
- Email: highdesertopera@yahoo.com
- Call: 970-523-9605
- Take a look at previous shows
