'Nunsense' return reason for thanks

Playing a nun could become a habit for Alene Robertson.

But if the star of Marriott Theatre's "Nunsense" were to adopt a woman of the cloth as her signature role, it might be out of gratitude more than professional preference.

Robertson reprises the Mother Superior, a role she first played 11 years ago at Marriott in its first production of the ubiquitous off-Broadway hit. Not too long ago, the nine-time Joseph Jefferson Award winner came close to never playing another role after she suffered a brain aneurysm during a two-year stint as Miss Hannigan on the "Annie" 30th anniversary tour.

"The Lord blessed me," said Robertson, who had 10 weeks of recuperation over which to count those blessings. "I feel very fortunate I'm still here."

"Nunsense" marks the first time she's returned to the Lincolnshire stage since 2004's "The Pajama Game."

As homecomings go, this one has been a delight.

"I love touring," said the Naperville resident. "My thing would be to stay in a hotel, eat out every night and explore the cities, which I'm able to do when I'm on tour. But there's something about coming home to Marriott …"

Robertson made her Marriott debut in 1979's "Camelot," performing in the chorus with the then-unknown Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and future Broadway star Barbara Walsh, a 2007 Tony Award nominee for "Company." She has been a fixture there ever since. Although things have changed somewhat. People who started out in the chorus are now in charge

"Terry James has been one of my best friends since the '80s and he's the executive producer now, which is kind of weird," she said. "I was in shows with lead artistic director Aaron Thielen and (director) Rachel Rockewell's first show there was 'Hello Dolly' when I played Dolly."

"All these people I worked with are now my bosses," said the actress, who also will appear in Marriott's "The Full Monty" in July. In October, she reprises her Jeff-winning performance as Vera Charles in Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre's production of "Mame."

But before that, she has to get back into what is a very warm habit.

"It's fun for people to see," said Robertson, "but it's deceptively difficult. It's five ladies who have to be on stage all the time. And it's very warm; you're covered entirely and you're very active."

Twelve years of Catholic school has given the actress some insight into nuns. Still, Robertson hedges her bets and adds a disclaimer.

"It's irreverent and it's done in fun," she said with a laugh, referring to whatever deity might be listening. "Please don't be offended."