Plenty of Nunsense is coming to Van Wert

Cast of Nunset Boulevard.

VAN WERT -- Cindy Williams, best known for her starring role as Shirley Feeney on the long-running ABC sitcom Laverne & Shirley, is Mother Superior Sunday as Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio presents Nunset Boulevard: The Nunsense Hollywood Bowl Show.

"It's great to be out here. I love seeing America. I'll certainly see a bit of America if I can stay awake on the bus," Williams said in a recent interview from Hartford, Wis., before the show's opening. The tour is booked through February and will stop in more than 15 states.

This latest installment of the Little Sisters of Hoboken finds the touring troupe in a bowling alley. They are under the impression they will be performing at the Hollywood Bowl; not as the lounge act in the Hollywood Bowl-A-Rama. The sisters soon learn a movie producer is across the street auditioning for a plum role about a movie star who becomes a nun. Each is sure she is perfect for the part.

Williams is reprising her Mother Superior role she performed about four years ago in the original Nunsense. The actress' career spans television, stage, and film; stage is her favorite venue. "I love being there with the audience," she said.

She has performed on Broadway in The Drowsy Chaperone. Her national tours include Grease, Deathtrap, Moon Over Buffalo, and Sylvia.

This show is a delight, she said. "You can bring the whole family. There's audience participation. It's like a musicale; it's mirthful and it makes you happy."

"Nunset Boulevard: The Nunsense Hollywood Bowl Show" will be performed at 3 p.m. Sunday at Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio, 10700 State Rt. 118 S., Van Wert. Ticket prices range from $17 to $37. Information: 419-238-6722 or npacvw.org.

Hitchcock Mystery

BRYAN, Ohio -- Whodunit is revealed in the first act this weekend when Williams County Community Theater presents Dial "M" For Murder in the Bryan Little Theater off the Square.

"It's a reversal from you normal murder mystery," said director Jake McAfee. "Instead of trying to figure out who did it, you have to figure out whether they are going to get away with it... and the murder scene is done really, really well, if I do say so myself."

McAfee picked this drama for his directorial return to WCCT. He last directed See How they Run about 15 years ago.

"I'm a huge fan of film noir. I thought it would be really neat for the theater to do something different. We do so many comedies and musicals; it's nice to do a good old-fashioned murder mystery."

This Frederick Knott thriller appeared on Broadway from October, 1952, to Feb., 1954, for 552 performances and was the basis for Alfred Hitchcock's 1954 film of the same name.

Jeremy Scott is Tony Wendice, a former tennis star who plots to kill his wife.

Kyla Huband, as his wife Margot Wendice, kills the would-be murderer and is now accused of murder. Also in the cast are Kevin Devers as Max Halliday, Margot's lover, and Bob McAfee as Inspector Hubbard.

"Dial "M" for Murder" will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Oct. 20 in the Bryan Little Theater off the Square, 208 W. Butler St., Bryan, Ohio. Additional performances are at 8 p.m. Oct. 18 and at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 21. Tickets are $11 for adults and $10 for seniors. Information: 419-636-6400 or 888-569-9228.

Two Readings

The Toledo Repertoire Theatre opens its Edgy Rep Reading series Saturday with the political zinger November at Pam's Corner on 10th Street.

David Mamet's 2007 biting comedy takes place several days before the election. The presidential incumbent is an unsavory person who is lagging in the race and hopes to turn things around.

The Rep is asking patrons to bring a nonperishable food item to any of its performances this season in an effort to raise 2,000 pounds of food for local food banks and soup kitchens.

"November" will be read at 8 p.m. Saturday at Pam's Corner, 116 10th St. Tickets are $10. Information: 419-243-9277 or toledorep.org.

The North Coast Theatre opens its season Wednesday with the entertaining yet unsettling reading of David Adjmi's Elective Affinities in the historic Oliver House.

Madge Levinson portrays Alice in this one-woman play. This wealthy woman is at odds with her husband and her best friend. She charms the audience, tells her side of the story, and inadvertently reveals why her husband fears she is becoming a "monster."

"Elective Affinities" will be read at 8 p.m. Wednesday in the South Wing of the Oliver House, 27 Broadway St. Admission is free. Reservations are recommended. Information: 419-255-0416 or www.northcoasttheatre.com.

Please send theater items at least two weeks in advance to jnjaim@theblade.com