The musical version of the 1992 movie will be performed at Cherry Hill West beginning on March 31.
If there’s one thing the cast of Cherry Hill High School West’s 2017 spring musical “Sister Act” can agree on, it’s how funny the show is.
“I saw the play in Philly at Walnut Street Theatre,” said sophomore Katie Chance, playing the role of Sister Mary Lazarus. “It was funny. I loved it”
The cast hopes to provide a lot of laughs for the audience when “Sister Act” opens at Cherry Hill West. The Cherry Hill West Theater Department will put on six performances of the show, beginning March 31.
“Sister Act” is based on the movie of the same name starring Whoopi Goldberg. In the show, the main character, Deloris Van Cartier, is sent to live with a group of nuns in a convent as part of being in a witness protection program. During her time there, Deloris helps revive the nuns’ choir, resulting in much-needed donations for the convent.
Junior Nyrobi Watson is playing the lead role of Deloris. She is very familiar with the movie and was set on auditioning to be Deloris the moment she heard Cherry Hill West would perform the show.
“I’ve seen it,” Watson said about the movie. “My mom played it growing up all the time.”
Watson feels she fits the role of Doloris very well, mostly because the character shares similar traits with her.
“Becoming the character isn’t too hard, because I relate to her in a way,” Watson said. “She’s like me in a silly way, more extravagant.”
Musical director Carolyn Messias said Watson has done a great job portraying Deloris during the auditions.
“I think Nairobi especially having this image of Whoopi Goldberg in her head was helpful,” Messias said.
There are a number of differences between the movie and the show. Deloris’ boyfriend is named Vince LaRocca in the movie. In the musical, his name is changed to Curtis Shank, though the character has the same personality as in the film.
Another big difference is the musical has a bit of local flavor. While the film is set mostly in San Francisco, the musical is set in Philadelphia.
“It’s set in Philadelphia, which is so cool,” Messias said. “It mentions Wawa, cheesesteaks, Philadelphia Inquirer, TV stations.”
To add to the local feel, a surprise guest newscaster will be involved. The newscaster’s identity won’t be revealed prior to opening night.
For the cast, the biggest challenge the musical presents is the dance numbers. There are more than a dozen students performing in the ensemble, and there are multiple large dance numbers in the show.
“The dancing and the solos are a little bit tough,” said senior William Scott Bey, playing the role of Sweaty Eddie.
Some students, such as Chance, have found the comedic parts of the show to be a bit challenging.
“I have to be dead panned the entire time with all my jokes,” she said. “It’s very hard to do.”
The cast and crew are hoping fans of the movie will come see the musical.
“Hopefully this will be something that people will bring their kids to see,” student director Sydney Kramer said.
“We’re hoping people will come out that are familiar with the movie,” Messias said. “It’s a very fun show. We’re hoping that the movie will help.”
“Sister Act” will be performed March 31 through April 2, and April 7 and 8. Performances will be at 7 p.m. on March 31, April 1, 7 and 8. There will be 2 p.m. matinees on April 2 and 8. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Seniors with a gold card can purchase seats for $5. To purchase tickets, call (856) 663–8006 ext. 1224 or visit www.showtix4u.com.
