“Sister Act: The Musical,” the Tony Award-nominated show based on the 1992 Touchstone Pictures hit film of the same name, features music written by Alan Menken, a multi-awarding-winning composer spanning the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Grammy and Tony awards, along with lyrics by Glenn Slater. It begins tomorrow at 8 p.m. at CASA 0101 Theater, 2102 E. First St., in Boyle Heights.
“Sister Act: The Musical” tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a disco nightclub diva, who witnesses a murder committed by her mobster boyfriend, Curtis Jackson, after which Deloris is placed in a witness protection program in a convent under the custody of the local police department. Comedy ensues as Deloris dons a nun’s habit to go undercover as “Sister Mary Clarence,” while attempting to acclimate herself into her new lifestyle in a convent.
An interesting aspect of the 1993 film “Sister Act II: Back in the Habit,” of which this production is loosely based on, is that one of the backstories focuses on a music teacher which was based on the real-life experiences of Iris Stevenson, the long-time music instructor at Crenshaw High School in South Los Angeles. As well, actress and Leimert Park native Chrissie Erickson takes on several roles in the play.
“This production celebrates women, power, and sisterhood,” said Josefina Lopez, founding artistic director with CASA 0101 Theater. “We have a predominantly female cast and females in production positions such as musical director; choreographer; and costume, set and projection designers.”
Said Raul Tejeda, director of the play: “Our spirited production of ‘Sister Act: The Musical’ will bring joy and laughter to all who come to see the show. Our divine cast will ‘raise the roof’ nightly and keep toes tapping as audiences witness nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier’s adventurous antics in her newfound home—a nunnery.”
The musical premiered in 2006 at the Pasadena Playhouse with actress Dawnn Lewis (“A Different World,” “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper”) originating the role as Deloris Van Cartier. Later, Patina Miller, who was in the Pasadena Playhouse run, performed the role in the West End production at the London Palladium Palladium in 2009 and two years later on Broadway at the Broadway Theater.
Tickets for the five-week run at CASA 0101 Theater are $50 general admission, $40 for students and seniors, and $35 for Boyle Heights residents (with ID) as well as children under 10 years and groups of 10 or more patrons.
Reservations are recommended. Free parking is available on nearby streets, and also on Friday and Saturday nights at the Boyle Heights City Hall parking lot, 2130 E. First St. (at Chicago Street). Metro Gold Line stations are located on First Street at both Soto and Boyle streets (Mariachi Plaza) which is within walking distance to the theater.
For tickets or more information, call the CASA 0101 Theater box office at (323) 263-7684, email tickets@casa0101.org, or visit www.casa0101.org.
