From left, Casey Waters as Sister Mary Leo, Jenn Rennie as Sister Mary Amnesia, and Nicole Frydrych as Sister Robert Anne live it up at the drive-in in a scene from Community Little Theatre’s current production of “Nunsense.” Sophia Wood photo

AUBURN — In the opening number of “Nunsense,” the audience is warned that “Nunsense is habit forming.” And that couldn’t be more true. With a cohesive and sharp comedic cast, standout performances and plenty of both sacred (and profane) jokes, Community Little Theatre’s production of the beloved classic “Nunsense” is worthy of reverence.

A freezer full of dead nuns sounds like the start of a true crime documentary, but it is instead the basic premise of this uproarious musical comedy. The Little Sisters of Hoboken are in the immediate aftermath of a deadly bout of botulism that instantly killed 52 sisters and they now need to raise money to bury them.

The nonsense in Community Little Theatre’s “Nunsense” is nonstop as Sister Mary Hubert played by Kay Warren, Sister Robert Anne played by Nicole Frydrych. and Sister Mary Leo played by Casey Waters show why nuns have more fun. Sophia Wood photo

Along with those challenges are a puppet and a mother superior incredibly high on some unspecified substance, who is sprawled out on stage yelling “Free Willy!” If that’s not a sell, I’m not sure what is.

The whole affair is held together by a standout portrayal of the duplicitous Sister Mary Regina by Michael Litchfield, who effortlessly slides into the persona of a hoity-toity and truly superior Mother Superior, and also handles her subsequent transgressions and devolution masterfully.

The street-smart and perpetual understudy Sister Robert Anne is played very well by Nicole Frydrych. Her rendition of “Growing up Catholic” is heartfelt and beautiful. Kay Warren is forceful and hilarious as Sister Mary Hubert. Casey Waters does a fine job as the young and naïve Sister Mary Leo.

And Jenn Rennie’s performance as Sister Mary Amnesia is a scene stealer — mouth agape, perpetually confused, and roaringly funny. And while audience participation is often groan worthy, the quick wit of this cast will make the audience actually want to hang out with this group of wild nuns. And if you pay attention, you might walk away with some fabulous prizes.

Under the direction of Jackie McDonald, this fan favorite musical that opened off Broadway in 1985 is as fresh and sharp as ever. The pit band, under the direction of music director Alex Castonguay sounds crisp and fantastic. The choreography by Danielle Eaton and Ellie Pfohl is also great. It is always pleasing to see a gaggle of nuns hit a kick line — there’s also an impressive tap sequence at the bottom of the first act.

The remaining performances of “Nunsense” are March 13, 14, and 15 at 7:30 p.m., with the final performance on Sunday, March 16, at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at laclt.com or by phone at 207-783-0958. All performances are held at Community Little Theatre’s home at 30 Academy St. in Auburn.

The five Little Sisters of Hoboken strike a pose during one of their prayerful musical numbers in Community Little Theatre’s current production of “Nunsense.” From left are Sister Mary Regina played by Michael Litchfield, Sister Mary Leo played by Casey Waters, Sister Mary Hubert played by Kay Warren, Sister Mary Amnesia played by Jenn Rennie, and Sister Robert Anne played by Nicole Frydrych. Sophia Wood photo