Why go to a movie to have something entertain you when real live actors, who are always in 3-D, would love the chance? The arrival of February brings musicals and comedies to the local theater scene. With big spring musicals just around the corner, there are lots of shows to laugh at, tap your toes to and even shows that require audience participation, whether the source be a talent show or a dramatic reenactment.

Floyd Central High School will celebrate the completion of its new intimate Studio One Theatre with the musical comedy “Nunsense” which opens at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5. There will be additional performances at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6, 12-13 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 7, 14.

The story begins when it is revealed that most of the nuns at The Little Sisters of Hoboken Convent have died, accidentally poisoned by the head cook, Sister Julia, Child of God. The surviving nuns decide to hold a talent show so as to raise costs for the burials, and hilarity ensues.

The cast includes Alex Criss as Sister Mary Regina, Sarah Novak as Sister Mary Hubert, Erica Mohler as Sister Roberta Anne, Jessica Kingery as Sister Mary Amnesia, Annie Sparrow as Sister Mary Leo and Brandis DeWilligen, Lindsay Richmer, Danielle Collier, Allie Ordonez and Rachel Sieg as nuns of the Order of The Little Sisters of Hoboken.

The new Studio One Theatre has a capacity of 130 people, so reservations are suggested. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for senior citizens and $6 for students. Reservations can be made at 812-923-8811, ext. 3527. The show is not recommended for children under the age of 12. Floyd Central is located at 6575 Old Vincennes Road, Floyds Knobs.



HIGH SCHOOL NOTES

• New Albany High School will present “The Late Christopher Bean” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18-21 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 20-21. The show is under the guest direction of former NAHS Theatre Director Tom Weatherston who, at the age of 80, is the “director emeritus.” Weatherston recently won the NAHS Hall of Fame Award and the classroom theatre was named in his honor. The show, a 1930’s comedy about a Mass. doctor who discovers that a famous painter has left behind valuable works of art after his death, will take place in the NAHS Backstage Theatre, allowing the audience to be on stage with the actors in an intimate setting. Weatherston’s former students are encouraged to attend and there will be an informal reception on stage following each performance. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for students and senior citizens and can be reserved at 812-981-2650. New Albany High School is located at 1020 Vincennes Street, New Albany.

• Silver Creek High School will present “Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” March 5-7 and 12-14. Look for more information to come.





ON OTHER STAGES

• Derby Dinner Playhouse is currently in the middle of their run of the mystery comedy “Death & Taxes,” which runs until Feb. 14. In the small town of Hendricks, the city council must find a murderer after an IRS agent is found dead on a couch. Everyone seems to have something to hide and as the accusations begin to be thrown around, the local drama instructor is brought in to reenact the crime. Bekki Jo Schneider directs a cast that includes J.R. Stuart, Cary Wiger, Rita Thomas, Debbie King-Raque, Bill Hanna, Tina Jo Wallace, Michelle Johnson and Matt Wallace. Call 812-288-8281 for all ticket information or visit www.derbydinner.com. Derby Dinner Playhouse is located at 525 Marriott Drive, Clarksville.

• The Holy Family Theatre Group will hold performances of “Lines of Communication” at 7:30 p.m. on Family Night, Feb. 19 and on 21-and-over night, Feb. 20. The doors of Marchino Hall will open at 6:45 p.m. The suggested donation is $5 for adults and $3 for high school aged students and younger. Reservations can be made at 812-948-2820 or 812-945-0531. Holy Family Catholic Church is located at 129 West Daisy Lane, New Albany.

• The Indiana University Southeast Theatre Department will open “The Boys Next Door” at 8 p.m. Feb. 19. There will be additional performances at 8 p.m. Feb. 20, 26-27 and performances at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 21 and 28. The show, directed by Jim Hesselman, tells the story of four mentally handicapped men living together in a communal residence in New England. Tickets, which are available through Ticketmaster, are $12 for adults and $6 for senior citizens, students and IU Southeast faculty and staff. The Robinson Theater in the Paul W. Ogle Cultural and Community Center is located at 4201 Grant Line Road, New Albany.





Katy Goodman is a freelance writer from New Albany. She can be reached by e-mail, or by phone at 812-945-6889. If you would like to list something in Curtain Call, please submit before Feb. 8.