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The Nuremberg Community Players have announced the cast and dates of their next production, “Murder Can Be Habit Forming”, a murder mystery comedy. Under the direction of Ann Bonacci, performances are set for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct 12 and 13 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14 at the theater home, 283 Hazle St., Nuremberg. Tickets are $15 each and may be reserved by calling 570-359-3406.

When a busload of passengers is stranded by a blizzard in upstate New York, they find their way to an old mansion in the woods, now St. Mary’s Convent, where the Reverend Mother Mary Cecilia, played by Lucille Fala Brennan, provides them lodging for the night. Unfortunately, she soon realizes that among her guests is likely to be a serial killer known as “the Mary Murderer” whose victims are all named Mary.

Though most of the sisters have been stranded in Buffalo, the four nuns remaining with her all have the first name Mary – the breezy, outgoing Sister Mary Martin, played by Yami Tineo Duran; sweet old and vague Sister Mary Agatha, played by Sara Moses; the quiet, shy Sister Mary Margaret, played by Jill Symbula; and the cheerful and funny Sister Mary Thomas, played by Millie Symbula.

Two of the women on the bus are also named Mary – Mary Bishop, the troubled college student played by Audrey Glickert; and Mary Adams, a smart woman with a secret played by Theresa McKinney. To add to the list of potential victims, one passenger is a flamboyant actress played by Tisha Demshock whose TV character is named Mary, and another is a retired school teacher played by Brenda Sachleben who was formerly… you guessed it!… a nun named Mary.

Before the night is over, the killer strikes. Which person from the bus could be the Mary Murderer? The college professor played by Filith Rogue? The newspaper columnist played by Giovanni Vargas? The jolly bus driver played by Oscar Gonzalez? Luckily, police detective Patrick McDougal, played by Todd Statuto, was also on the bus and takes charge of solving the case. Other characters include the surly, somewhat sinister handyman played by Kris Fetterman; Torch, the strange member of a heavy metal band played by Cody Medina; and the upset college student played by Jacob Sachleben.

Providing as many laughs as chills, “Murder Can Be Habit Forming” is a lighthearted mystery comedy that reveals the very human side of the nuns as they attempt to stay one step ahead of a killer.

The play is written by Billy St. John and is produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Englewood, Colorado. Reservations may be made by calling 570-359-3406 and are only $15 each. Reservations are strongly suggested as previous shows have sold out, but if seats are available, they can be purchased at the door.

The show is being presented as the troupe celebrates its 35th year as a volunteer community theatre. Established in 1983 ,this non-profit, 501c3, community-involved organization has entertained with over 90 performances. The group holds charity fund-raisers and offers a college scholarship for local students each year.

From left, seated across front, are Theresa McKinney, Audrey Glickert, Lucille FaLa-Brennan, Brenda Sachleben, Jill Symbula, and Sara Moses. Standing, Tisha Demshock, Giovanni Vargas, Cody Medina, Jacob Sachleben, Fillith Rogue, Yamilet Tineo Duran, Todd Statuto, Kris Fetterman, and Oscar Gonzalez. Absent at the time of the photo was Millie Symbula.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/web1_Cast-Photo-Rehearsal.jpg.optimal.jpgFrom left, seated across front, are Theresa McKinney, Audrey Glickert, Lucille FaLa-Brennan, Brenda Sachleben, Jill Symbula, and Sara Moses. Standing, Tisha Demshock, Giovanni Vargas, Cody Medina, Jacob Sachleben, Fillith Rogue, Yamilet Tineo Duran, Todd Statuto, Kris Fetterman, and Oscar Gonzalez. Absent at the time of the photo was Millie Symbula. Submitted photo