Sing Sister Sing

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SISTERHOOD: Deloris sings to her unsuspecting sisters in the convent. Deloris was able to form strong bonds with the ladies in the convent until they find out that she is not a real nun. Photo by Aleksi Holder

By: Aleksi Holder

The curtains are drawn to reveal Deloris Van Cartier, a struggling artist enamored by glitz and glamour and a desire to become a star, stuck singing to those who frequent the nightclub. As her big dreams seem increasingly less likely after witnessing a murder, Deloris has to attempt to adjust to a new way of life.

For this year’s winter production, history teacher and theatrical advisor Amy Nesmith has chosen Sister Act Jr. Inspired by the original movie, the musical follows how singer Deloris Van Cartier is placed in witness protection at a convent where she teaches the nuns how to sing. With copious rehearsals, the dedication and hard work was evident in the Musical theater I students’ performances, the shows being on Jan. 23 and 24.

“Our production of Sister Act Jr. has been such an incredible experience for the entire cast and crew. The students have really embraced the music, the humor, and the heart of the show,” said senior Shelby Dammann.

HALLELUJAH: Deloris, played by freshman Ken’Niyah Alexander clasps her hands as she dances. Deloris hid in the convent and ended up teaching the ladies how to sing. Photo by Aleksi Holder.

The vibrant musical Sister Act originated as a comedy film starring Whoopi Goldberg in 1992. It was extremely popular, grossing $230 million worldwide which gave Stage Entertainment, a leading global producer and theater operator, the idea to produce a stage adaptation. Although inspired by the film, changes were made. Composer Alan Menken wanted to make the songs inspired by 1970s music incorporating Gospel and Disco. Because of this, the original locations Reno and San Francisco in the 1990s were changed to Philadelphia in the 1970s.

“The show was so full of life, and it was nice because as a senior, these are really new faces of the next musical theater students that will be acting in future shows,” said senior Trent Robinson.

In preparation for Sister Act Jr, the Musical Theater I students practiced on Mondays for multiple hours to learn songs and choreography for the musical, but as the performance date came closer, rehearsal time extended to four hours to prepare with costumes and microphones. The complex atmosphere of the musical could not have been created without the support from the drama parents and the upper class musical theater students who helped the cast with their make-up, hair and set design, especially because the dance numbers in the show were student choreographed by junior Ryan App.

“Musical theatre has never really piqued my interest until I joined the cast of Sister act. The colorful music and extraordinary dances opened my eyes to a whole new world of the performing arts,” said senior Daniel Soto, who played Joey.

The hard work and time that the musical theater students devoted to this show was evident in their performance. For many of the students in the Sister Act Jr. cast, this is not only their first time acting on a stage, but it is also their first time acting together. Some of the students in Musical Theater I did not know one another prior to this production, so Sister Act Jr. gave them an opportunity to develop bonds that came from working so closely together. The drama department’s next production will be West Side Story on April 3, 4, 11, and 12.

“Being in musical theatre has not only helped me expand my talent, but also allowed me to meet so many new people who inspire me to be a better version of myself everyday,” Soto mentioned.