MOUNT VERNON – MTVarts, a nonprofit, all-volunteer theater company, is proud to present their production of "Sister Act" for seven performances July 8-16 at the historic Woodward Opera House in downtown Mount Vernon. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on weeknights and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays.
When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be found: A convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.
“'Sister Act' is a very challenging production with numerous scenes, songs and dances,” said director Bruce Jacklin. “With the guidance of our talented production staff, the performers have created strong and touching characters, nailed the demanding musical numbers and tackled exciting and engaging choreography. The combination of musical theater styles with gospel and disco genres have made for a very dynamic stage show.”
Directed by Jacklin with music direction by Diane Dingler and choreography by Anthony Ingham, "Sister Act" features Shauna Marie as Deloris Van Cartier, Tyrell Reggins as Officer Eddie Southern, Megan Evans as the Mother Superior, Sage Szucs as Sister Mary Robert, Abigail Tayse as Sister Mary Patrick, Kate Ernsberger as Sister Mary Lazarus, Caroline Pletcher as Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours, Luane Campbell as Sister Mary Theresa, Buck Thompson as Monsignor O'Hara, Steve Herbst as Curtis Jackson, Drew Caton as TJ, Alex Diehl as Joey and Jeremy Barrett as Pablo. The production also includes featured performances by Mary Harris, Kylie Stadler and Mason Mickley, with ensemble members Addisyn Coad, Judy Diehl, Gabby Fuller, Christopher Hartman, Jayson Herbst, Norita F. Hissong, Cailyn Kennedy, Alley McClain, Kerri Mahan, Jay Mahan, Mary Rugola-Dye, Ellie Salvucci, Aidan Scott, Ashlynn Scott, Madison Sichina, Chloe Skillman and Molly Smith. Keeping with the tradition of utilizing live musicians for the summer musical, the 15+ piece orchestra will be under the direction of Dr. Dane Heuchemer.
"Sister Act" is based on the hit 1992 Touchstone Pictures film by Jospeh Howard, starring Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy, Wendy Makkena, Mary Wickes and Harvey Keitel. The musical was written by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner with additional material by Douglas Carter Beane, and features lyrics by Glenn Slater with original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken ("Newsies," "Beauty and the Beast" and "Little Shop of Horrors.") First produced on Broadway in 2011, this uplifting show was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. "Sister Act" is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
While MTVarts musicals are typically staged at the Knox Memorial Theater, HVAC renovations in that space have required the theater to shut down operations for the summer. "Sister Act" will instead perform at the Woodward Opera House at 107 S. Main St. in downtown Mount Vernon. This is the second show MTVarts has mounted at the Woodward, the first being the 2019 production of "A Raisin in the Sun," part of the MTVarts’ Classics Series.
"Sister Act" performances take place July 8 at 7:30 p.m.; July 9 at 2 p.m.; July 12 at 7:30 p.m.; July 13 at 7:30 p.m.; July 14 at 7:30 p.m.; July 15 at 7:30 p.m. and July 16 at 2 p.m. Main Floor seating is $22-$25 and balcony seating is $20-$25. Tickets are available at the door one hour prior to curtain, online at MTVarts.com, at Park National Bank at One South Main, Mount Vernon or by visiting the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium Box Office at 214 S. Main St., Mount Vernon. You can also call 740-462-4278 or email tickets@mvac.org.
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