In the middle of the holiday season, we ventured north to Milwaukee for holiday fun at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. The Singing Sisters of Nunsense were back spreading holiday cheer with a production of Nuncrackers.

With book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin, Nuncrackers featured Isabel Quintero (Mother Superior); Seth K. Hale (Father Virgil); and Meka King, Kattie Kallaus and Ashley Oviedo (other nuns). There was a bit of audience participation.

Pictured Meka King, Katie Kallaus, Seth K. Hale, Ashley Oviedo, Isabel Quintero. Photo by Jenn Udoni.

From Mount Saint Helen’s Convent, the Little Sisters of Hoboken record a Christmas concert television special. Of course, the usual hijinks ensue.

Pictured R Ashley Oviedo, Katie Kallaus, Seth K. Hale, Meka King. Photo by Jenn Udoni.

One of my favorite numbers was “A Christmas Carol.” While mixing many popular holiday songs, it features a chorus perfect for audience participation.

Pictured L-R Meka King, Katie Kallaus, Ashley Oviedo. Photo by Jenn Udoni.

Another highlight was “In the Convent,” a rousing takeoff of the Village People’s “In the Navy.” In this case, it is a plea for vocations. While it might not increase commits to the sisterhood, it elicited a roomful of laughter and some attempts to sing along.

Pictured Seth K. Hale and Isabel Quintero. Photo by Jenn Udoni.

Nuncrackers just finished its run in Stackner Cabaret, but there is plenty more entertainment coming. The 70th season of Milwaukee Repertory Theater continues with Guys on Ice, which started Jan. 7. Also on the calendar are Little Women, What the Constitution Means to Me and several other productions before the 2023–24 season ends in May.

— John Wroblewski, online writer