Raise Your Voice with ‘Sister Act’

By Matthew Kamen ’21, October 24, 2019
Musical adaptation of popular film continues IC Theatre Arts’ 2019-2020 season.

Ithaca College Theatre Arts continues its 2019-2020 mainstage season with “Sister Act,” a musical adaptation of the hit feature film about a nightclub singer forced to seek refuge among a group of nuns. Opening Thursday, October 31, in Hoerner Theatre, this uplifting, feel-good musical comedy will have audiences jumping to their feet.

Based on the 1992 motion picture starring Whoopi Goldberg, “Sister Act” emphasizes the power of friendship and “sisterhood.” Nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder and is put into protective custody at a convent. Disguised as a nun, she struggles to change her lifestyle and abide by their strict rules, with hilarious results. Finding her place in the convent´s choir, her dancing and singing talent inspires her fellow sisters to find their voices.

“‘Sister Act’ is a beautiful story about coming together,” said director Courtney Young, assistant professor in the Department of Theatre Arts. “It reminds us that despite what it seems, we as human beings are more similar than we are different.”

Ticket Information

Performances of “Sister Act” run from October 31-November 9 at 8 p.m., with matinee performances at 2 p.m. on November 3 and 9, and a preview performance on October 29. Tickets range in price from $10 to $18, and can be purchased online at tickets.ithaca.edu. Tickets may also be purchased over the phone at (607) 274-3224, or in person at the Ithaca College Theatre Box Office in Dillingham Center. The box office is open noon-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon-4 p.m. on Friday.

Dillingham Center accommodates all patrons. Individuals with special needs are asked to contact (607) 274-3224 to request accommodations as soon as possible.

“Sister Act” has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner, additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane, and is based on the Touchstone Pictures motion picture “Sister Act” written by Joseph Howard.

“Sister Act” was nominated for five Tony Awards in 2011, including Best Musical. Composer Alan Menken won the 2012 Tony Award for Best Original Score for his work on Disney’s “Newsies.” Menken, who is best known for “Little Shop of Horrors” and Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” won eight Academy Awards and 11 Grammy Awards.

Cast and Creative Team

The cast of “Sister Act” features:

  • Courtney C. Long ’21 as Deloris Van Cartier
  • Madison Alexander ’20 as Mother Superior
  • Rhys Kauffman ’22 as Monsignor O’Hara
  • Usman Ali Ishaq ’20 as Eddie Souther
  • Ali Louis Bourzgui ’21 as Curtis Jackson
  • Caleb Robbins ’20 as Joey
  • Chachi Delgado ’23 as Pablo
  • Jeremy J. Noel ’21 as TJ
  • Nicole Morris ’20 as Sister Mary Robert
  • Megan Lynn Schmidt ’20 as Sister Mary Patrick
  • Sushma Saha ’20 as Sister Mary Lazarus
  • Sally Shaw ’22 as Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours
  • Amanda Xander ’22 as Sister Mary Theresa

The ensemble features:

  • Tessa Lynn Coleman ’22
  • Maya Fortgang ’23
  • Logan Geddes ’21
  • Oscar Izenson ’23
  • Elizah Knight ’23
  • Sabina Lueras ’22
  • Drew Nauden ’20
  • Bryan Pichardo ’22
  • Achille Ricca ’23
  • Delaney Stephens ’21
  • Emma Taylor ’21
  • Nick Traficante ’23
  • Amber Ward ‘21

The creative team includes:

  • Courtney Young – Director
  • Aimee Rials – Choreographer
  • Christopher Zemliauskas – Music Director
  • Nicolas Guerrero ’20 – Assistant Music Director
  • Michael Hayes ’20 – Scenic Designer
  • Aria Sardella ’20 – Costume Designer
  • Indigo Garcia ’20 – Lighting Designer
  • Don Tindall – Sound Designer
  • Colin Stewart – Technical Director
  • Sydney Scheer ’20 – Stage Manager

A nationally recognized professional theatre-training program, the Department of Theatre Arts attracts students from across the globe. Throughout the school year, undergraduates present all aspects of theatre in a professional model. Visit the theatre arts website for further information.

Follow Ithaca College Theatre on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @ICTheatreArts.

“Sister Act” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.