Raise your voice for “Sister Act: The Musical!” The hilarious and heartwarming, multi-Tony nominated musical based on the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg and Dame Maggie Smith about the power of sisterhood features a vibrant pop, disco and soul infused score by famed composer Alan Menken. “Sister Act” graces the stage at Arts Express Theatre August 1-24. Shows run Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2 p.m.
Philadelphia Nightclub soul singer Deloris Van Cartier (Charlette Chaney) is preparing to meet with a record producer to catch her big break when she witnesses her gangster boyfriend, Curtis (Jacob Litt), and his gang commit murder. Fleeing for her life, Deloris ends up meeting an old friend now turned policeman named Eddie (JR Gillie), who acts quickly to put her in the witness protection program. Sending her to the only place he thinks Curtis and his goons won’t find her, Eddie ushers Deloris off to the convent to go undercover as a Nun.
The local convent is woefully short on funds and followers, so the Mother Superior (Lucy Kellett) reluctantly agrees to house Deloris as long as she agrees to follow the strictures. As Deloris gets to know the other nuns and sees the deplorable state of the convent choir, Deloris decides to help liven up the music of the Sunday services with her own flamboyant flare. Though Deloris is the opposite of what the Mother Superior thinks is good for the convent, as people flock to hear the music of the Sunday services, she begrudgingly admits Deloris is onto something. The local press catches on and soon Curtis and his gang spot her in a newscast. While Curtis and his goons pursue Deloris, the nuns band together to protect their new “Sister” and save the day.
With a sparkling, uplifting score by Tony and Grammy-Award winner Alan Menken, Lyrics by Glenn Slater and and book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner, “Sister Act” will leave audiences laughing, clapping, and wanting to “Spread the Love Around.”
“Sister Act” is Directed by Michael Stewart, with Music Direction by Jenny Campman and Choreography by Rachael Fornof.
For tickets, visit www.arts-express.org or call the Arts Express Theatre Box Office at (520) 319-0400.
ABOUT ARTS EXPRESS THEATRE
Arts Express Theatre is southern Arizona’s leading musical theatre company, staging large-scale professional quality musical theatre productions throughout the year. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, AET is committed to opening the arts to all ages. It serves over 25,000 people annually through a continuum of introductory and advanced programs, and engaging audience experiences.
