Nuns are taking over the Forum Theatre in Wichita, and they are doing it with song, dance and comedy.

The musical “Nunsense” tells the story of five nuns working to raise money for another sister’s burial. Though that may seem like a heavy topic, the musical is full of catchy numbers and plenty of humor.

Headlining the show is Karla Burns, a Tony-nominated Wichita State alumna, in the role of Mother Superior. WSU alumna Sarah Gale McQuery plays Sister Mary Hubert and current student Emily Pirtle plays Sister Mary Amnesia. Cary Hesse, as Sister Robert Anne, and Stacy Farthing, as Sister Mary Leo, round out the cast.

“I think our cast is fabulous and each of them brings a special part of themselves to the show,” said Kathryn Hauptman, director of the show. “One of the best … all are extremely talented yet easy to work with and easy to like. I think that’s why the audiences love it so much. The girls are loveable.”

Written in 1985 by Dan Goggin, “Nunsense” holds the record for the second-longest run off-Broadway. Though the show has been around for a while, Hauptman feels there are a few things that make this production unique.

“What sets it apart are the people,” she said. “Karla Burns, a famous WSU grad and first African-American woman to win London’s Olivier Award, brings her international and Broadway experience … she knows what it’s like to be a “mother superior,” to be in charge, admired, honored, but also to be humble … Cary Hesse and Emily Pirtle grew up Catholic and went to parochial schools. Their real-life experiences are brought to stage every night in the creation of these characters.”

Though the show is about Catholic nuns, Hauptman encourages everyone to see the show as there is something in it for everybody.

“Whether you are Catholic or not, anyone can identify with the nuns as teachers, mentors; people that have influenced us and shaped us yet do so in a way that is memorable and lovable,” she said. “They are nuns but they are also real people, somewhat quirky and fun, but real and we love them all the more for it.”

Those who attend the show will have the opportunity to meet the cast before it starts.

“Our theater is so warm and intimate, the audiences feel like they are really at a church fundraiser. Plus, we’ve embellished the ambience by playing Bingo with the Nuns one hour before show time, and we hold a raffle for devil’s food and angel food cupcakes. It’s all part of the fun,” Hauptman said.

“Nunsense” runs through July 15 with 8 p.m. performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and at 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $23 for Thursdays and Sundays, and $25 for Fridays and Saturdays. To purchase tickets, contact the ticket office at 316-618-0444 or on the web at www.forumwichita.com. Box Office hours are noon to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.