Let us now pray for the gentle humor of “Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical,” that it may lure the multitudes to Germantown Community Theatre and bring forth good cheer.

But verily, I say unto you, this regional premiere may not find favor with the doctrinaire, for its sins are many and its virtues few.

"Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical" cast members include Neal Figueroa (center) and nuns (clockwise from left) Jenny Smith, Rachel Helton-Graham, Julie Reinbold and Zarabeth Davis.

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Of wit, there is little even though it marks the return of the Little Sisters of Hoboken plus a live cable access TV show with singing and dancing children, which ought to provide a great flood of merriment.

And indeed, there are oases in the desert. Neal Figueroa’s impersonation of Sister Julia, Child of God is an intoxicating bit of physical humor. And Jenny Smith’s Sister Amnesia is possessed of a righteous sense of timing.

Yet even these cannot atone for the otherwise forgettable skits and one-liners, as if scriptwriter Dan Goggin was only tithing his talent.

Now it is true that even a lame musical comedy can be redeemed by skilled performances. Alas, this was not the case. Despite the cast’s evident devotion, the timing was more off than on, words sometimes had difficulty getting past the lips and the singing was somewhat less than that provided by a choir of angels. (With the glorious exception of Rachel D. Helton-Graham, who actually does have an angel’s voice).

It is true that the play itself is intended to be a parody of amateur productions, but here we have one that is more amateurish than parody. And while we pray for the Lord to bless the children who participate in community theater, we believe that thou shalt not give them too much stage time lest an overabundance of preciousness leaves audience members with polite, frozen smiles on their faces.

Perhaps I am too unforgiving. You may be perfectly satisfied with the stomping of sisters, their odd habits, creaky choreography and zealous zaniness. If so, go ye and do likewise.

Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical

Thursdays 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 2:30 p.m. through Dec. 20. Germantown Community Theatre, 3037 Forest Hill-Irene Rd. Tickets: $18-$23. Call 754-2680 or go to germantowncommunitytheatre.org.