Crossroads Community Theatre brings another mad-cap comedy to the WOWSPACE

By: 
Miriam Nelson
News Editor

WITTENBERG — The WOWSPACE will be transformed once again from art gallery to theater for the opening of the Crossroads Community Theatre production of “Every Little Crook and Nanny” by playwright Pat Cook.

The play takes place at a boarding house run by retired nanny Lillie Scones. With just one resident and “a cat the size of the Louisiana Purchase,” she’s excited to learn that an old charge of hers wants to rent a room. What she doesn’t know is that he is planning on robbing the bank on the corner and pinning it on her while he makes his getaway.

His plans start to change when he hears of Miss Lillie’s sad situation, and a young student named Betty catches his eye. Lillie’s friends Jocelyn and Carmella are on hand to protect her sweet and trusting heart. An incorrigible young lad keeps the ladies on their toes — especially Carmella, who has the unenviable task of being his nanny.

Making their debut with the theater group is Kristine Spiegel, from Marion, and her 11-year-old son, Owen.

“Being in a play is a fun way to spend time with my son,” said Spiegel, “and we both have funny parts, so we get to laugh a lot.”

The rest of the cast includes mostly members who have been with Crossroads Community Theatre from its start in 2011. Dawn Meverden, Lois Anderson, Paul Pehlke, Lisa Walkush, Mike Gilbertson, Dan Young, Samantha Smith and Nancy Pehlke round out the cast.

Crossroads Community Theatre is the performing arts arm of Walls of Wittenberg. The theater productions raise funds to pay for Art Park’s free summer concert series. The money raised also helps to maintain the WOWSPACE and to continue bringing quality productions to the area.

“We’ve been so fortunate to expand from the murals into theater and music. I think WOW has been able to bring people to the area with the variety of things to do, see and hear,” said Elaine Knab, president of WOW.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Hanke’s Sentry Foods in Wittenberg or by calling WOW at 715-253-3525.

AT A GLANCE

WHO: Crossroads Community Theatre
WHAT: “Every Little Crook and Nanny”
WHERE: WOWSPACE, 114 Vinal St.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Oct. 18-19, Oct. 25-26
FYI: Tickets are $10. Call 715-253-3525 or purchase at Hanke’s Sentry Foods, 110 S. Mission St., Wittenberg