E. Faye Butler believes the show "Nunsense" offers audiences a chance to take a nostalgic look back in time.
"'Nunsense' is a fun show," said Butler, who is the director of the production, which continues to Aug. 2 at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook.
The show, she said, takes people back to a time where structure, discipline and a moral compass were very much in the spotlight. However, "Nunsense" cranks out the humor surrounding nuns in a creative and interesting way. "Nunsense," featuring book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin, revolves around The Little Sisters of Hoboken and their zany process of putting on a fundraising cabaret show.
Butler said even if audience members aren't Catholic, anyone can appreciate the witty humor in the show. And for those who are Catholic, the director hopes they'll attend "to reminisce" about what it was like to go to a Catholic school.
Pictured is a scene from "Nunsense" at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook. Provided photo.
Theatergoers are most familiar with Butler as an acclaimed performer through the decades. Most recently, Chicago audiences saw her fantastic performance in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" at The Goodman Theatre.
She said she occasionally enjoys stepping away from being centerstage to delve into directing.
"As a director, I'm able to give back," said Butler, adding the directing craft allows her to offer tips and advice to other performers and "help another actor on their journey."
Butler said she's been directing since the 1980s. And she currently takes on acting jobs that she only really wants to do. Butler said it's "by choice" that she's currently not acting as much as she did before.
Under Butler's direction, "Nunsense" is updated to current times.
"It's set in the world we live in now," she said. The director added the characters in the show range from young to older nuns. Butler said she's enjoying working with the cast members, who all have ties to Chicago.
"It's always great to have a cast from Chicago who knows Chicago," she said.
Butler also praised the all female band and the sound and costume designers, who are both female. "Nunsense" stars actors Aurora Boe, Rachel Carreras, Kelly Felthous, Cory Goodrich and Sharriese Hamilton.
After her work with "Nunsense," Butler said she'll take the rest of the summer off to spend time with family and friends.
FYI: "Nunsense" continues to Aug. 2 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Tickets are $85 to $150. Visit www.drurylanetheatre.com