The ladies in black are back

Stop this nunsense! The wild and wacky ladies in black are back to their old tricks, and this time they've won a trip on the "Faith of All Nations" cruise where some of their shipmates are in the cast of "Fiddler on the Roof."

The cast gets seasick, and the ship's captain asks the nuns and the actor playing Tevye in "Fiddler" to put on a show.

Hilarity reigns supreme on the high seas with Sister Amnesia's attempt at magic, and the nuns attempting to replicate their version of "Fiddler" in Stage West Community Playhouse's production of "Meshggah-Nuns!"

"It's very funny," said Betsy Glasson, who plays the Reverend Mother. "We did a preview Tuesday night for the members of the theater and got a standing ovation. It's all Catholic and Jewish jokes, and it's all in good in fun."

She described the score, composed by Dan Goggin, as "snappy, with a lot of dancing."

The Stage West's production is directed by Wayne Raymond. Morgan Burburam plays Sister Hubert, Sharon Farnsworth plays Sister Amnesia (the character got the moniker after a crucifix fell on her head and she couldn't remember who she was), Leanne Germann plays Sister Robert Anne, and Peter Clapsis plays Howard Liszt.

"Meshggah-Nuns!" is the third sequel in the popular Nunsense musicals. The original "Nunsense" opened at the off-Broadway Cherry Lane Theatre on Dec. 12, 1985.

You don't have to be Jewish or Catholic to enjoy the show - you only need a desire to laugh.

If you go

What - Stage West's production of "Meshggah-Nuns!"

Where - Stage West Community Playhouse (main stage), 8390 Forest Oak Blvd.

When - July 10-12 and 17-19. Friday and Saturday performances start at 8 p.m. Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m.

Cost - $10.

For more information, call the box office at 352-683-5113 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.