by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur Central School District opened its doors at the Gouverneur High School for a public that was excited to see “Sister Act: The Musical” on Friday, March 28 and Sunday, March 30. The second performance was rescheduled to a Sunday matinee due to inclement weather.
“Sister Act: The Musical” is based on the Touchstone Pictures Motion Picture, and “Sister Act” written by Joseph Howard. The book is by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner. The GHS production was made possible through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International. The recommended age for those attending the production was 10 years and over, due to themes of violence and language.
The GHS production was directed by Emily Bason, music director Olivia Montagno (with assistance from Brett Worden), and choreography by Danielle Peake. The GHS production of “Sister Act: The Musical” kept audience on the edge of their seats, as the “divine musical comedy” proved to be a heartwarming story of personal transformation and unlikely friendships.
The narrative centers around the vivacious character of Deloris Van Cartier (Akaysha Shippee-Ray), an aspiring lounge singer with big dreams. The audience witnesses her larger-than-life personality during an audition with her backup singers/dancers, Tina (Laina Kurdziel) and Michelle (Abigail Lucas).
Set in the gritty, fast-paced world of 1970s Philadelphia, Deloris finds herself in a precarious situation when she accidentally witnesses a crime committed by her gangster boyfriend, Curtis (Malique Zeller), after he shot one of his cronies, Ernie (Abriana Casey). Fearing for her safety and knowing she must escape the reach of Curtis and his cronies – TJ (Owen Perry), Pablo (Sadie Jackson), and Joey (Cayden Middleton) - she turns to the authorities for help. At the police station, Deloris tells trustworthy cop, Eddie Souther (Jackson Ritchie) about the crime as another cop (Reigna Belcher) was making an arrest.
To protect Deloris, the police place her in a witness protection program, which lands her in the most unexpected hiding spot – a convent. Much to her dismay, Deloris has to pose as Sister Mary Clarence, immersing herself in the disciplined and tranquil life of a nun. At first, her extravagant personality and rebellious attitude clash dramatically with the conservative and structured environment of the convent. Mother Superior (Mya Connor), the head of the convent, is particularly resistant to Deloris's eccentric ways. However, the other nuns begin to warm up to her, charmed by her humor and vivacity. This includes: Sister Mary Martin of Tours (Abigail Lucas), Sister Mary Robert (Charley Newvine), Sister Mary Patrick (Alexis Dake), Sister Mary Lazarus (Hannah Dafoe), Sister Mary Teresa (Jenika Babcock), alongside other nuns (Alexis Biribauer, Abriana Casey, Kendra Murdie, Taylor Edney, Laina Kurdziel, Rose Cox, Reigna Belcher, and Serenity Whitmarsh). Her place in the convent is secured, with the relentless support of Monsignor O’Hara (Cayden Middleton).
Over time, Deloris discovers the convent's struggling choir—a group of nuns whose singing is far from harmonious. Seeing an opportunity to bring some excitement to her new life, Deloris decides to train them in music. Using her natural talent and experience as a performer, she transforms the choir into an astonishingly talented group that captures the attention of their local congregation and community.
The choir's newfound success revitalizes the convent, drawing in larger congregations and donations, while also giving the nuns a renewed sense of purpose and joy.
As the choir's fame grows, so does the risk of Deloris's identity being discovered. Curtis eventually catches wind of her location, leading to a suspenseful and climactic showdown. Deloris must rely on her new friends and her own courage to confront the danger that threatens her life. In the end, she learns the importance of friendship, trust, and redemption, and her experience at the convent profoundly changes her outlook on life.
Other cast members include: cab driver (Abriana Casey), hooker/bartender (Serenity Whitmarsh), bar patron/homeless dancer (Rose Cox), street people (Laina Kurdziel, Abriana Casey, Rose Cox, Alexis Biribauer), and fantasy dancers (Laina Kurdziel, Abigail Lucas, Serenity Whitmarsh, and Abriana Casey.)
The story detailed in “Sister Act” is infused with lively music, humor, and heartfelt moments, making it an uplifting tale of finding family in unexpected places. From its comedic clashes to its triumphant musical performances, Sister Act is a celebration of individuality, community, and the power of music to bring people together.
The local crowds were impressed with the GHS students vocal performances throughout the show. It was reported that Alan Menken, the legendary composer behind numerous iconic musicals, brought his signature touch to Sister Act: The Musical. Collaborating with lyricist Glenn Slater, Menken created a vibrant and soulful score that perfectly complements the story's humor, heart, and energy. The songs in Sister Act are a delightful blend of disco, gospel, and Motown-inspired tunes, reflecting the 1970s setting and the transformative journey of the characters. The musical opened with "Take Me to Heaven," a lively number performed by Deloris Van Cartier and her backup singers, showcasing her aspirations as a lounge singer. This song sets the tone for the show's upbeat and dynamic energy. Another standout was "Raise Your Voice," a powerful anthem where Deloris inspires the nuns to embrace their musical potential, leading to the choir's remarkable transformation. "The Life I Never Led," sung by Sister Mary Robert, was a poignant ballad that explores themes of self-discovery and longing. Similarly, "Here Within These Walls," performed by Mother Superior, reflected her internal struggle as she grappled with Deloris's disruptive presence in the convent. The title song, "Sister Act," was a triumphant and celebratory piece that encapsulates the show's central themes of friendship, redemption, and finding one's place in the world. The finale, "Spread the Love Around," was a joyous and infectious number with the full company that left audiences uplifted and inspired. Other songs featured included: “Fabulous, Baby!” (Deloris, Michelle, Tina), “It’s Good To Be A Nun” (Deloris, Nuns), “When I Find My Baby” (Curtis, Joey, TJ, Pablo), “I Could Be That Guy” (Eddie, Street People), “Sunday Morning Fever” (Monsignor, Deloris, Nuns, Mother Superior, Eddie), “Lady In The Long Black Dress” (Joey, TJ, Pablo), “I Haven’t Got A Prayer” (Mother Superior), “Bless Our Show” (Deloris, Nuns), and “Benedicta-ta for Now” (Nuns). Menken's ability to craft memorable melodies and emotionally resonant songs shined throughout the GHS production of “Sister Act,” and the local student performances made the musical a truly unforgettable experience.
The crowds were taken into the 1970s world of “Sister Act” thanks to spectacular set design, led by GHS Art Teacher Robert Decker, and set and prop construction crew: Carly Bartholomew, Gianna Terpstra, Aubrey Bristol, Liam Gallagher, Hunter Bates, Cassidy Chambers, Alexis Melocotones, Hannah White.
The production crew included: Stage managers (Carly Bartholomew, Gianna Terpstra, Hunter Bates), stage crew (Carly Bartholomew, Gianna Terpstra, Hunter Bates, Hannah White, Alexis Melocotones, Cassidy Chambers, and Liam Gallagher), lighting directors (Madison Hopper, Laraya Klock, RJ Kulp), sound technicians (Dallas Doxtater, Kaden Wells, Avian Burt), slides (Tony Fiacco). Social media managers were Abigail Lucas and Charley Newvine. Publicity was also managed by Emily Bason alongside the cast and crew of Sister Act. Much appreciation was also extended to hairdressers Kathy Stamper, Heather Greenhill, SWT BOCES Cosmetology students, make-up by Melissa Terpstra and Amanda Cox. Volunteers at Box Office were Stacy Canell, Laurel Bartholomew, and Lynn Kurdziel. The ushers were members of the GHS National Honor Society and the GHS Key Club. The production was professionally photographed by Gidget Wainwright.
A special word of gratitude was extended to the parents of the cast and crew, the Gouverneur CSD Board of Education, Gouverneur CSD Superintendent of Schools Jackie Kelly, GHS Principal Nicole Donaldson, GHS Assistant Principal Margeaux Davis, GHS Custodial Staff and Secretarial Staff, alongside others including the following: Jean Johnson, Kathy Stamper, Donna Briscoe, Sheila Callahan, Michael Bason, the Kurdziel family, Kiera Matthews, Kim Reed, Mike Tyler, Brett Worden, the Gouverneur Tribune Press, Kinney Drugs, WWNY-TV, Emily’s Flower Shop, NNY Custom Printing, among others. Much gratitude was extended to the North Country community for their support of the theatre arts in the Gouverneur Central School District. For more information on the Gouverneur Central School District, visit www.gcsk12.org.
Local youths were also encouraged to attend the theatre arts camp this summer at GHS, made possible by the Gouverneur Recreation Department through its partnership with Missoula Children's Theatre. Advanced registration is required, and will open on May 1. This is an opportunity available to all local youths from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The week-long theatre camp will be held July 21-26 at GHS. The 2025 production will be “Treasure Island” as adapted by Jim Caron with music and lyrics by Jim Caron and Michael McGill. For more info, call 315-287-0524.