BY MELISSA BREEDLOVE: Special Projects Editor

Described as "nun-restrained, nun-mitigated and nun-believable," "Nunsense," Dan Goggin's popular spoof, was a major hit off-Broadway before it became a staple of the regional, community and collegiate theater circuit.

The classic play, which opens here this weekend, has often brought groups of female actors of all ages together in a tight set of cast members that usually produces well-loved characters who make repeat appearances over many seasons.

Sandra Epperson, executive artistic director for Sandhills Theatre Company based in Southern Pines, says this production is no exception.

"Nunsense" opens at the Sunrise Theater in downtown Southern Pines Friday (today) and plays through Sept. 30. Membership subscriptions for the STC season that also includes "My Three Angels," "Biloxi Blues," "Steel Magnolias" and the Harold Arlen revue "The Wizard of Music" are now available.

Call the Sandhills Theatre Company box office at (910) 692-3799 weekdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The musical satire of “Nunsense” pokes fun at everything imaginable -- from religion to everyday life -- as it presents an immodest show-within-a-show fund-raiser.

In the STC show, Kelly McCrann, a standout in Pinecrest High School shows, plays the irreverent Mother Superior Mary Regina, the convent's ring-leader in more ways than one.

Pat Bradbury and Jeanette Wilson will alternate the role of the Temptation Two-Stepping Sister Mary Hubert, while Claire Westbrook will recall the pre-convent hopes and dreams of the street-wise Sister Robert Anne.

Julie Barrett will play Sister Mary Leo, choreographer of the intricate "Dying Nun" ballet, and the role of Sister Mary Amnesia, so-named because of the effects of a very nasty blow to the head, will be played by Sara Wing.

Epperson says the “Nunsense” rehearsals have been productive despite the actors somber feelings following the tragic events in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. on Sept. 11.

“The actors have come in and put the tragedy away for a few hours,” says Epperson. “And they’ve gotten lost in their characters and really poured their hearts into it.”

The STC cast has the choreography talents of Broadway choreographer Felton Smith for the upcoming production. Smith is the original choreographer for the productions "Nunsense I", "Nunsense II," and "Nunsense Jamboree" and has choreographed and/or directed oter companies in the U.S. and Europe, as well as "Nunsense I and II,” starring Rue McClanahan for A&E Television.