Saratoga News The movie 'Sister Act' inspired this group of friends to make music under the name Nuns for Fun. The group comes to Sacred Heart Church on Nov. 13 for an ecumenical celebration and fundraiser. Nuns' and priests' tales filled with fun By Shari Kaplan Taking its cue from the hit movie Sister Act, a group of singers and friends from the greater Los Angeles area took the idea of rockin' religion and spirited spirituality a few years ago and used it to transform themselves into a performing group called Nuns for Fun. Originally, the group's gigs were--just like the name suggests--simply for fun. Founder Dan McMahon was inspired by the movie and, together with his choral-director wife, organized a concert featuring Sister Act songs for his church's annual bazaar. Continued successes and word-of-mouth, however, led the group to expand its ranks and become known throughout Southern California from both live performances and television appearances. They now often perform once or twice a week and have taken their show on the road to festivals, county fairs, church events, fundraisers and private parties. On Nov. 13, they bring their humorous, uplifting combination of music, dance and comedy to Geary Hall at Saratoga's Sacred Heart Church, located at 13724 Saratoga Ave. The performance, which is Nuns for Fun's only Bay Area appearance, is suitable for all ages. People of all faiths are encouraged to attend. The event is sponsored by the Sacred Heart Church Men's Club and 10 local businesses. The show is the church's second annual ecumenical celebration and benefit; last year's event featured songs and inspirational stories by entertainer, recording artist, mother and quadriplegic Renee Bondi. Nuns for Fun consists of 12 to 14 habit-wearing sisters led by Sister Mary Mother Boss. There's also Father Inferior--played by McMahon--with his Boys in Black, and the Monks With Funk. The singing nuns' and priests' musical repertoire includes rock & roll, pop, soul, the occasional hymn and spiritual numbers with a toe-tapping twist. They also perform "nunsensical" comedy and fancy footwork. None of the performers are actual members of the clergy, a fact McMahon says surprises many audience members. A pre-concert wine and hors d'oeuvres reception with the performers takes place at 6:30 p.m., followed by the 7:30 p.m. concert. A post-concert dessert and coffee takes place afterwards, which includes another meet-and-greet opportunity. Tickets range from $10 to $40, depending upon whether a visitor attends just the concert or adds one or both of the special events. Students receive a $5 discount on all ticket prices. All proceeds raised beyond the cost of booking the group help fund a new piano for the church. For tickets or more information, call 370-9444 or 370-9447. [ Back to Contents Page | Saratoga News Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Saratoga News, November 4, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.