The Curtain Rises for Me at DUT

The curtain went down on my last show 15 years ago when I played Rosie Alvarez in a local community theater production of “Bye Bye Birdie” in Tuscola, IL.  Theater always played a very large role in my life.  The phrase, “Oh, I can’t…I have rehearsal.” was spoken almost daily.  After performing in over 60 productions, theater took a backseat as I grew my career and family.

"Hello who is this? Oh it's the stage calling. I will be right there!"

Over the last several years, I had been aching to get back on the stage.  There was a Carnegie Hall-sized hole in my heart that needed to be filled!  It all came full circle last year when I went to see DUT’s production of “Bye Bye Birdie”.  I was blown away by the talent and energy of that show, and flashbacks of Tuscola’s version ran through my head.  The audience could clearly see the joy and excitement on every cast member’s face as the show progressed.  I knew then that I would love to be a part of it.  When I found out that Nunsense was going to be their next show, I was thrilled.  It is a musical that I have always wanted to do.

Decatur Underground Theater's performance of Bye Bye Birdie

Because it had been so long since my last show, the nerves walking into auditions were very high.  I was rusty.  So rusty.  Which direction is downstage again?  The audition room was full of friendly, smiling faces which immediately put me at ease.  From the moment I entered the DUT atmosphere, I have been met with nothing but genuine kindness and support.  It is never easy being the newbie, but this group accepted me as one of their own from the very start.  I cannot say enough nice things about working with DUT.  They have made my transition back into theater feel effortless.

I am so excited to be on stage again!

I am really proud to be a part of this show that everyone has worked so hard to put together. What a lovely, talented group of humans!  Thank you for making me feel like part of the family. 

Casey is playing Sister Mary Robert Anne in Decatur Underground Theater's performance of Nunsense. See her on stage April 5-7 and April 12-14

On Stage and Online

Lily Rinchiuso, actor and social media intern

I had always thought I would be a performer before anything else. Whenever my dad would have the audacity to suggest that maybe I should be a director, producer, or manager instead of an actor, I would smile and nod but then immediately think about the theatre sized hole in my heart if I EVER tried something new.

Me pretending to be hard at work

But when me and my (not so willing) dad auditioned and got into Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with our local Decatur Underground Theater, both of our lives were changed for the better. During Joseph my dad and I were just the doting actors, though he always commented on wishing he could get a picture of our Joseph behind the curtains when the fog and lights shined on his face just right. I still didn’t get how he could focus on other things when we were living our dreams of being in a musical. Then just one year later my dad and I were in our third DUT musical; Bye Bye Birdie, but this time he was on the board as the Assistant Marketing Director, which almost by relation meant I was also a marketer now. 

Me and my dad after our first show together

One day, early on in the rehearsal process, my dad trusted me with the Decatur Underground TikTok page. The reasoning was half because he trusted me because I was in his Digital Entrepreneurship class, the other half is because he was too old to understand TikTok. 

We watched in amazement as the video hit 1k views in 20 minutes.

So right then and there my dad appointed me with all social media access for the show. Not only was it exhilarating to see a show come to life over the course of  3 months, but it was also rewarding to watch a video hit 25k views or see my advertising campaign come to life with everyone wearing buttons I came up with. This may not seem like a huge deal to some, but as a 17 year old in small town Decatur, IL the opportunities the DUT family have given me can never be overstated.

Me singing my heart out during Bye Bye Birdie

For our current musical Nunsense, I took a step off stage and behind my phone and computer instead. I thought it would be a hard pill to swallow, but I have enjoyed writing, shooting,  editing videos and writing social media posts. It has given me a completely new perspective for a form of art that I love. And while I’m adding the finishing touches to Nunsense, my brain has already had a million ideas bouncing around for audition songs and campaigns for the next show. 

I will be excited to hit the stage again, but I am just as excited to see what a freshly turned 18 year old will have learned from a year of experience. Thanks to Decatur Underground Theater, and my dad, I have found a love for musicals both on stage and online.

DUT is Decatur's Premier Musical Theater Company, bringing Awesome Musical Theater to Decatur, IL Since 2010.

What Being a Nun Means to Me

As a life-long stage actress, people often ask me, “What’s your favorite musical?” My response? Nunsense. “What show do you want to perform again?” Any guesses? Nunsense. The answer is always, Nunsense. 

As any fellow thespian can attest, sometimes shows just stick with us even after the final curtain call. I’ve had several such experiences throughout my 22 years on stage, however, Nunsense is one that outshines all the rest.

Thirteen years ago I had the privilege of being cast in a community theater performance of Nunsense the Mega Musical. I played Sister Amnesia, a nun, aptly named, who lost her memory. I learned my lines and dance steps, which ironically meant purposefully forgetting, and all too soon the show came to an end. But while my character had forgotten who she was, I knew I would certainly never forget her. Or that musical. 

Hard at work rehearsing Nunsense

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that when I was presented with the opportunity to reprise my role as Sister Amnesia for Decatur Underground Theater’s production of Nunsense the Mega Musical, I couldn’t refuse. 

So, what makes it my favorite? 

Well, because Nunsense is habit forming…Let me tell you why!

For those unfamiliar with this show, it follows a group of nuns who’ve had a grisly tragedy strike their New Jersey convent and must now host a variety act in order to raise money. Sounds like a great time, right? Although the show’s premise may seem counterintuitive for comedy gold, that’s why it’s so entertaining.

The writing is phenomenal. Nunsense busts through the metaphorical fourth wall, an uncommon practice, creating an addictive atmosphere for both audience and actor alike. You'll laugh harder than you have in years and will want to run back to the box office just to experience the rush of delight again. No, really! Dave Goggin infused the pages of Nunsense with his comedic genius. This timeless, dependable comedy brings people of all beliefs to the same conclusion; it’s hilarious.  Audiences need not be Catholic nor religious to enjoy this story or laugh at the jokes and charming characters. 

Having fun at the table read

Speaking of characters, these ladies (and a few gents) were written to leap off the stage and into hearts. These aren’t stereotypical nuns. These nuns are fun and perhaps a bit risque!

The score is creative and filled with nuances from popular culture. Throughout its two acts, you will hear allusions to some of your favorite Broadway tunes, a strong salute to the Andrew sisters, and a dose of country western.

The joy I’ve found bringing these Little Sisters of Hoboken to life is unmatched. And it may never be. I know you’ll enjoy it just as much as I have. From the catchy songs and spirited dancing to phenomenal talent both on and off the stage, you have a recipe for success. 

Get your tickets, bring your friends, and prepare to laugh! DUT’s show runs April 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, and 14th at the Decatur Civic Center located in Decatur, IL. 

Buy Tickets Here: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/72940371/dut-presents-nunsense-decatur-decatur-civic-center-