Performer · Comedy & Cabaret
The Reverend Mother
aka Nunsense · Phyl Contestable, of “Nunsense” fame
The 11th Commandment is… Thou Shalt LIGHTEN UP! Spiritually fractured, outrageously irreverent, warmly wacky and devilishly delightful. She puts the ZEN in Senior CitiZEN.
About the Reverend Mother
A curious mix of J-Lo and Mrs. Doubtfire in a nun's habit (circa 1950s!). Picture it: three twelve-inch rulers dangling from her waist on Mardi Gras rosary beads, a dubious authority on everything, mumbling and tumbling through colloquial expressions and current issues. It's clear to all she has no idea what she's talking about!
Since 1989, The Reverend Mother has internationally roasted and humiliated thousands: retired corporate execs, bridal couples of every persuasion, grouchy grandmas, class reunions, religious leaders, atheists, and noted celebrities (Michael Keaton, at his brother's birthday party!).
She's NOT about religion. Lord knows she loves the Protestants, the Jews, and those FARCs (Fallen Away Roman Catholics) riddled with Catholic guilt. No one is exempt or excused from the discerning eye and searing tongue of The Reverend Mother.
“You don't stop laughing because you're old; you grow old because you've stopped laughing!”
Signature Show
Her newest show, on the road now
Aging ain't a Laughing matter, … or is it?
“Don't let the Old Man in!”
Over 60? You'll GET IT, and if not, it's like watching a black-and-white virtual cartoon! Her newest show is built for fun-raisers, senior-center events, and entertainment for the over-60 crowd, always with audience participation. ('Depends' are recommended… ha ha!)
No One Is Exempt
Roasted since 1989
She will leave you a whimpering second grader standing in the corner wastebasket. Sister Dementia warns: DON'T CROSS HER, or she'll threaten to slap the liver right outta ya, or duct-tape you to the cloak-room door! Just say “Yes, Sister,” bow your head, and move on. Buckle your seat belt.
Behind the Habit
Meet Phyl Contestable
Phyllis Lee Contestable (Phyl, to her friends) is a walking sit-com whose life story could easily fill a made-for-TV mini-series. (Her mother insists it all began with “patty cake, patty cake.”) Raised a card-carrying Catholic kid through Blessed Sacrament Elementary and Our Lady of Mercy High School, she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy, took her vows, and spent six years as music teacher Sister Mary Giovanni, R.S.M., the singing nun, guitar and all.
A frustrated flower child of the '60s, she traded the convent for Woodstock, hootenannies, rock & roll and show biz, fronting her own rock band through the '70s alongside her Janis Joplin sound-alike sister, Andrea. In 1980 she and teaching associate Alan Jones formed a cabaret duo, and in 1986 she landed the role of Reverend Mother in the Downstairs Cabaret production of Nunsense, playing it for three years. The singing nun had become the performing nun, and “revmotogo” became a reality.
Offstage, Phyl lives in Upstate New York and is a General Music Specialist at Churchville-Chili Middle School. She holds a Master's degree in Interdisciplinary Arts for Children and is New York State certified in vocal music, K–12.
Kudos & Credits
How Do I Book Her Show?
Bring her to your group
The Reverend Mother performs matinee cabaret shows for groups, perfect for a bus tour, a senior center, or a fun-raiser. Here’s everything you need to plan the day.
Once your group has interest, call the studio at (585) 233-5858 with a couple of dates that work for you.
Matinees at the cabaret on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
30 paid guests secure your actual day of performance.
Flexible, but shows usually begin at 1:30, with a 45-minute first set, a 15-minute intermission, then a 30-minute closing act.
Call the studio at (585) 233-5858 to learn about pricing. The Group Leader and Bus Driver are always free.
Everyone enjoys a complimentary beverage: coffee, tea, pop, or water.
Ask us about nearby restaurants to round out your group's day.
Connect with the Reverend Mother
Book the Reverend Mother for Your Group
A matinee of warmly wacky, devilishly delightful comedy for the over-60 crowd, with audience participation, always.