Going on a 'crazy' ride

The sisters of Hoboken, N.J., return to Brewery Arts Center, with a high-seas adventure in "Meshuggah-Nuns," opening Feb. 18.

"'Meshuggah' means 'crazy' in yiddish and in this show, the sisters are on an all-expense paid Faith of Nations cruise - so it's already ecumenical - with the cast of "Fiddler on the Roof" when, during a storm, the ship is rocked, everyone gets sick and the sisters and Tevya perform a show together and save the day," said Director Cory Stockton. "It's very Old Testament meets New Testament with singing, dancing, jokes, ventriloquism, accordion-playing, impersonations, a three-piece band.

"It is very much not 'Fiddler on the Roof.'"

The cast includes Karen Chandler as Sister Mary Amnesia, Michon Chandler-Douglas as the Reverend Mother, Catherine Cook as Sister Robert Ann and June Joplin as Sister Hubert. Kevin Carp plays Howard who was the original Tevya before the boat was rocked.

Stockton has acted in many Brewery Arts Center Performing Arts Collaborative productions. This is his first time directing, an experience he is enjoying.

"Directing is a different thing in that I have to worry about everything, not just my part," he said. "I am working with a really seasoned cast which makes my job easier and I can tell you, I am a better director now than I was two months ago."

He works as a behavioral therapist for children with autism and enjoys that for the energy his clients bring each day. Hanging out with the cast offers a similar positive experience.

"I really like hanging out with the cast every night because of the energy and I love, love, love them," Stockton said. "I am just admiring so much talent: Karen does the costumes which are amazing, Catherine as our choreographer has been a godsend, God bless Michon for making great props and June is just a wonderful soul who is goofy, wonderful, energetic and brings all that to the table, and Kevin's hard work and humor add to the experience."

"Meshuggah Nuns" will be performed in the Maizie Harris Jesse Theatre at BAC, 449 W. King St., 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18, 19, 25 and 26, and March 4 and 5, with a Sunday matinee, 2 p.m. Feb. 27.

Tickets cost $16.50 for general admission, $13.50 for students, seniors and BAC members available at breweryarts.org. For more information, call BAC at (775) 883-1976.

"As the director, I've read the script at least 25 times and I'm still laughing," Stockton said. "And everyone could use a good laugh these days."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: "Meshuggah Nuns"

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18, 19, 25 and 26, and March 4 and 5, with a Sunday matinee, 2 p.m. Feb. 27.

WHERE: Maizie Harris Jesse Theatre at BAC, 449 W. King St.,

Tickets: $16.50 for general admission, $13.50 for students, seniors and BAC members available at breweryarts.org. For more information, call BAC at (775) 883-1976.