NUNSENSE … The Sisters prepare to clean out the freezer. Pictured left to right is Bria Friend as the Reverend Mother, Kharleigh Kitchen as Sister Hubert, Harlee Salazar as Sister Robert Anne, Henna Beck as Sister Amnesia, and Lexa Wright as Sister Mary Leo.
ON STAGE HUMOR … In a humorous moment, Reverend Mother (played by Bria Friend) struggles to collect herself.
DREAMS … Sister Amnesia (played by Henna Beck) dreams of recalling her past identity.
PHOTOS BY REBEKAH DELL / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
CENTER STAGE … Harlee Salazar as Sister Robert Anne shines on stage.
By: Rebekah Dell
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
Students of Montpelier High School took the stage this past weekend to showcase their production of Nunsense, filling their halls with music, laughter, and charm.
Under the direction of Mrs. Stephanie Friend, the cast and crew delivered an upbeat performance that drew a crowd of family, friends, and community members.
The show ran November 1st and November 2nd and marked the school’s annual fall musical tradition. In years past, the school has performed a wide variety of different musicals from Fiddler on the Roof, Little Shop of Horrors, and even most recently The Wizard of Oz, but this year marks the first year the theater department at MHS has performed Nunsense and the crowd really ate up the delivery put on by the cast.
Written in 1985 by Dan Goggin, Nunsense follows the story of four nuns who start a variety show in their local high school’s auditorium to fund the funerals of their fellow sisters after their untimely passing due to an unfortunate cooking mishap made by Sister Julia in the kitchen.
The Reverend Mother realizes they don’t have the funds to give the last four sisters a proper burial after she spends an exorbitant amount of money on a plasma TV.
Their solution? Put on a show of their own. What follows is a hilarious mix of music, mischief, and mayhem that keeps the audience entertained from start to finish.
Bria Friend took the stage as the sharp and spirited Reverend Mother, leading a cast that included Kharleigh Kitchen as Sister Hubert, Harlee Salazar as Sister Robert Anne, and Henna Beck as Sister Amnesia.
Supporting roles were performed by Lexa Wright as sister Mary Leo and Olivia Kannel as Sister Julia, Child of God. Each actress brought her own sense of humor and heart to the stage, creating a chemistry that made every moment feel fresh and fun.
One of the most memorable parts of the performance was how the cast drew the audience into the story. From witty improvisation to playful asides, the actors made the crowd feel like part of the convent itself—laughing, clapping, and reacting right along with the sisters. It’s this sense of connection that made Nunsense so special and left everyone in the auditorium feeling like they had shared something joyful together.
Director Stephanie Friend shared, “This year we have, maybe, the first ever all-girl cast. I had never seen Nunsense before, so I watched it and knew right away that we could pull it off. This show is extremely funny and our cast embraces that fully!
“These young ladies have done an amazing job balancing school, sports, and active social lives all while preparing this hilarious musical. We have spent a lot of late nights and long weekends together, but the end result is so worth it!
“Six of our fourteen cast members are seniors this year, one being my own daughter, so it has been fun to be able to do one last show with them. Throughout this process, the seniors have been outstanding leaders.
“I am so proud of the whole cast and our nine crew members. We could not do it without them. I would love to send a special thank you to those seniors: Madisyn Bolenbaugh, Kaida Feeney, Bria Friend, Kharleigh Kitchen, Harlee Salazar, and Zoe Uribes (and Preston Dean who is one of our crew leaders in the light/sound booth.) The stage will not be the same without you!”
Her words capture what made the production so special. The dedication, laughter, and sense of family that grew throughout rehearsals is something that is so unique. It was clear to everyone in the audience that the students poured their hearts into each line, song, and joke.
As the curtain closed on another successful fall musical, the MHS theater department once again reminded the community just how much talent and heart their students bring to the stage.
Nunsense was more than just a show, it was a celebration of teamwork, creativity, and the joy that comes from sharing laughter together.
Montpelier’s theater program continues to thrive thanks to the unwavering support of families, staff, and community members who show up year after year to cheer on their students.
The laughter that could be heart throughout the auditorium this weekend was proof that the arts not only entertain, but also bring people together one story, one song, and one stage at a time.
