Sister Act the Musical based upon the Whoopi Goldberg comedy of the same name will have you laughing and enjoying the story all over again albeit presented in a new way.
Moonlight Stage Productions opens their 46th season with this musical comedy and delights guest from opening number to the rapturous closing number. The show features 25 actors and a 16 piece orchestra under the direction of Lyndon Pugeda who helps bring this show to life. Once again John Vaughan is at the helm of this production and provides his directorial experience and choreography to help bring out the talents in the actors.
The premise of the show is very similar to that of the movie with some changes here and there as well as a different ending. It follows Deloris Van Cartier a wannabe diva who witnesses a murder and goes to the police, where they in turn put her into witness protection. They decide to put her into a place that no one would ever look, a convent. While there she re-discovers her voice as well as helping her fellow nuns discover their voices.
John Vaughan does a good job directing this musical that I think has a fairly weak book overall. Even the music by Alan Menken has some spots that leave something to be desired. Moonlight Stage Production does a very good job at overcoming these shortcomings and delighting guest nonetheless with a show stopping performances that will bring a smile to your heart. Also once you hear the pipes on Daebreon Poiema, the comedic takes of Johnny Fletcher and Jim Chovick, and the heartfeltness of Sarah Errington you are sure to be in store for a great ride with this opening season show Sister Act.
The show is anchored by a very strong cast of actors that include Daebreon Poiema (Deloris Van Cartier), Jessica Mason (Michelle), Danielle Levas (Tina), Rufus Bonds Jr. (Curtis Jackson), Johnny Fletcher (Ernie), Greg Nicholas (Joey), Gerardo Flores-Tonella (Pablo), Edred Utomi (TJ), Cornelius Jones Jr. (Eddie Souther), Victoria Strong (Mother Superior), Jim Chovick (Monsignor O’Hara), Sarah Errington (Sister Mary Roberts), Bethany Slomka (Sister Mary Lazarus), Susan Stuber (Sister Mary Lazarus), Ashlee Espinosa (Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours), Rae K. Henderson (Sister Mary Theresa).
Ensemble: Bradley J. Behrmann, Gerilyn Brault, Kevin Burroughs, Kelly Derouin, Deborah Fauerbach, Johnny Fletcher, Monica Iversen, Catie Marron, Rhianna Pfannenstiel, and Quinton Walker.
Additional Credits: Stanley D. Cohen (Stage Manager), Sarah Ahlquist (Assistant Stage Manager), Jean-Yves Tessier (Lighting Design), Jim Zadi (Sound Design), Peter Herman (Wig Master), Gabe Nunez (Make-Up).
Sister Act The Musical: Book by Cheri Steinkellner & Bill Steinkellner, Lyrics by Glenn Slater, and Music by Alan Menken.
TICKET INFORMATION:
Single tickets for Moonlight Stage production of Sister Act range from $13 – $55. There are discount ticket prices for children 12. There are discounts for Seniors and Students and military. For tickets contact The Moonlight Amphitheatre at 760-724-2110 or visit The Moonlight Stage Production Ticket Website.
SCHEDULE: Sister Act show times are June 23 – 26 and then again June 30 – July 2 with gates opening at 6:30pm and showtimes at 8pm.
LOCATION: The Moonlight Amphitheatre is located at 1200 Vale Terrace Drive
Take the Civic Center Drive and exit off Highway 78, go north. Turn right on E Vista Way. Turn right on Vale Terrace. Continue on Vale Terrace about 1/2 mile and turn left into Brengle Terrace Park.
PARKING: There is free parking available at Brengle Terrace Park. Shuttle service is available for those who end up parking in the upper grass lot. The shuttle will begin running 2.5 hours before the show starts as well as after the show.
For more information and tickets call The Moonlight Amphitheatre at 760-724-2110 or visit The Moonlight Stage Production Ticket Website.
Photos by: Ken Jacques