By Mindy Pedlar
Experience Joy … Soul … and Sisterhood! The irresistible musical comedy Sister Act — just like in the smash 1992 film — delivers all three!
Sister Act tells the story of Deloris, a savvy, far from pious nightclub singer whose world is upended when she witnesses a crime and has to be stashed where no one would ever think of looking for her. And that would be … a convent.
Choreographer Babe Payne (left) and Director Rebecca Haley Clark. • Photo Credit: Bari Lee
It comes as a surprise to everyone, especially Deloris, that her hideout soon becomes her chance to shine as she turns the convent’s dull, soulless choir into an invigorating, heart-thumping sensation. Can nuns rock out? Can they bring down the house? You bet they can!
“This summer needs to be about joy,” Artistic Director, Andrea L. Hart says “and Sister Act is the perfect vessel to deliver it! It’s a show where strangers become family, confidence blooms and music transforms a community from the inside out. It celebrates the power of finding your voice and lifting it up.”
To bring this show to life, Hart has put together a dynamic creative team which includes Director, Rebecca Haley Clark, Choreographer Babe Payne and Music and Vocal Director, Daniel Goldsmith.
Music and Vocal Director Daniel Goldsmith works with the cast of Sister Act.
Goldsmith will also be conducting the pit band saying “orchestra is too highfalutin for this kind of show. We’ll have 11 pieces, a six person rhythm section with two keyboards, guitar, bass, drums and percussion, and a really solid five person wind/brass section-great players all around. The score, influenced by popular music of the 70s, should feel organic and spontaneous while keeping the musical authenticity of the genres. The audience can expect to hear a little R&B, soul and disco in addition to soul-stirring gospel music that will bring even non-believers to their feet!”
From creating Vegas style nightclub acts to getting a group of Nuns to move while singing sounds challenging but Choreographer Babe Payne is up to the task. “This musical takes place in the late 70s” Babe says, “so we’ll have a lot of fun dancing like they did then. As the story evolves, there is a really interesting split between reality, fantasy and where the two meet. It’s a wonderful opportunity tell the story through movement. I hope the audience leaves the theatre feeling lighter and more joyful, wanting to see more live theatre and, of course, wanting to dance!”
Carlos Joel Gonzales (Pablo – left) and Marcus Cato (Monsignor O’Hara) enjoying the first rehearsal for Sister Act. • Phot Credit: Bari Lee
Sister Act marks Director Rebecca Haley Clark’s first time working with Cabrillo Stage. Her most recent work includes directing Charlotte Jones’ comedy-drama Humble Boy at The Western Stage, The Coast Starlight by Keith Bunin at San Jose Stage Company as well as the critically acclaimed Master Harold and the Boys by Athol Fugard for Santa Cruz Shakespeare.
As rehearsals continue, she looks forward to seeing how “communion, theatre, and worship play with each other. I think we all worship coming together in different ways” says Clark. “I’m looking forward to exploring that through a musical about how performance can bring us together. The world needs a little hope right now and if we can provide that through a story about following your passion, never giving up, and finding the beauty and strengths in the people around you then I think we will be successful.”
Sister Act promises to fill the theatre with laughter, heart and radiant show stopping music!
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Purchase tickets online: www.cabrillostage.com
Performances are July 9th through Aug. 2. All performances are at the Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos. Thurs, Fri, and Sat evening at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Please note there is no performance on Thursday, July 16. Box Office opens June 18 for phone and walk-up sales Thursday-Saturday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 1 hour prior to each performance or call 831-479-6154
TOP PHOTO: From left: Marlene Evelyn Bruce (Nun/Inmate), Kiana Van Kregten (Nun/Bar Patron) and Mindy Pedlar (Mother Superior/Nun) • Photo Credit: Bari Lee