The Green Earth Players community theater group will open their spring production, “Drinking Habits,” next weekend in the Historic Palace Theatre.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 5 and 6, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 7.
The following week follows the same schedule, with 7:30 p.m. performances Friday and Saturday, April 12 and 13, and a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, April 14.
The comedy, written by Tom Smith, is about a group of nuns at the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing who sell homemade wine at their convent to generate needed funds.
Two nuns, Sister Augusta (played by Terri Ebert) and Sister Philamena (played by DJ Luethje), have been secretly making wine to keep the convent’s doors open.
But Paul and Sally (played by David Vis and Manda Steensma), reporters and former fiancés, are hot on their trail.
They go undercover as a nun and priest, but their presence, combined with the addition of a new nun, Sister Mary Catherine (played by Colette Hansen) spurs paranoia throughout the convent that spies have been sent from Rome to shut them down.
“Wine and secrets are inevitably spilled as everyone tries to preserve the convent and reconnect with lost loves,” according to the play synopsis.
Other actors in the production are Casey McKenzie as Father Chenille, Elaine Hansen as Mother Superior, and Gordie Hansen as George.
Director Sue Sandbulte said she’s enjoyed the humor on the set.
“The audience will appreciate the actors and actresses that portray each character. They fit their parts perfectly,” Sandbulte said.
“The cast is thrown from one silly situation into another. It is a funny show with several surprises, secrets and lies. The Zany storyline will keep the audience laughing from the time the play starts until the last line is said.”
She’s working with a group of seasoned actors and actresses, but winter weather created challenges with canceled rehearsals.
Mary Carroll is assistant director; Jim Harsma is producer and Harlan Stueven heads up the crew that is building the set.
“It is an elaborate set that will add an extra touch to the show,” Sandbulte said. “Bring your best friends and be ready for non-stop laughter.”
Tickets are $14 for adults and $7 for students and are available at the Palace Box Office, 507-283-4339