Diversionary announces casting for ‘The Divine Sister’

SAN DIEGO – Diversionary Theatre have announced complete casting for its production of The Divine Sister written by Charles Busch and directed by Glenn Paris. Performances begin at Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd. in San Diego May 23.

The cast includes Maggie Carney as Mrs. Levinson, Yolanda Franklin as Sister Acacius, Lauren King as Agnes, Dangerfield G. Moore as Jeremy, Daren Scott as Mother Superior, and Jacque Wilke as Sister Walburga.

Do nuns really have more fun? The Divine Sister is an inspired homage to every Hollywood film ever centered on the convent. Written by Charles Busch (the comic genius behind such classics as The Tale of the Allergists Wife; Die, Mommie, Die!; Psycho Beach Party; and Vampire Lesbians of Sodom), this is the gleefully twisted tale of an indomitable Mother Superior trying to cope with a young postulant experiencing “visions,” a sensitive schoolboy in need of mentoring, a mysterious nun visiting from Berlin, and a former suitor intent on luring her away from her vows. No nun, whether singing or flying, is spared and no Mary is left un-hailed in this loving parody that dares to take a look beneath the habit.

The creative team for Diversionary Theatre’s production of The Divine Sister includes Matt Scott (Scenic Design), Luke Olson (Lighting Design), Blair Nelson (Sound Design), Corey Johnston (Costume Design), David Medina (Prop Master), Bret Young (Producer) and John E. Alexander (Executive Director).

The Divine Sister opened for a successful and critically acclaimed run in September 2012 at the Soho Playhouse where Ben Brantley of  The New York Times called it a “gleefully twisted tale …. Mr. Busch’s freshest, funniest work in years, perhaps decades.” The New York Post calls Busch “as much of a beloved classic as the movie heroines he impersonates in performances that are half loving tribute, half wicked spoof.”

Evoking such films as The Song of Bernadette, The Bells of St. Mary’s, The Singing Nun, and Agnes of God, The Divine Sister tells the story of St. Veronica’s indomitable Mother Superior who is determined to build a new school for her Pittsburgh convent. Along the way, she has to deal with a young postulant who is experiencing “visions,” sexual hysteria among her nuns, a sensitive schoolboy in need of mentoring, a mysterious nun visiting from the Mother House in Berlin and a former suitor intent on luring her away from her vows.

Previews begin May 23 with an official opening of June 1. The production is scheduled to run through June 30. Tickets are now available online at www.diversionary.org,by calling 619-220-0097 or in person by visiting 4545 Park Blvd. in  San Diego. Single ticket prices ranges from $25-51 (Prices are subject to change).