SILER CITY, N.C. — Uplifting, feel-good musical comedy breaks out in Siler City this month when Jordan-Matthews High School presents “Sister Act,” the smash musical — based on the hit 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg — that was nominated for five 2011 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Performances are Friday, March 20, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 21, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 22, at 3 p.m. General admission tickets are $10 each and available online at JMArtsTickets.com. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door before each performance. No passes, including Chatham County Schools and senior citizens’ passes, can be accepted. Everyone entering the theater, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she’s put in protective custody, hidden in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be a found: a convent. Disguised as a nun, she quickly finds herself at odds with the rigid lifestyle and an uptight Mother Superior, but still manages to use her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir.
Her success breathes new life into the church and community, but also blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find themselves up against Deloris — plus the power of her newly found sisterhood.
Filled with powerful gospel music, energetic dancing and a truly moving story, “Sister Act” is a sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship and a great reason to rejoice!
Jordan-Matthews brings a huge production to the stage with a 33-member cast and six-member stage crew. Carpentry students constructed the musical's multilevel set and art students produced scenery.
Producer Rose Pate says “Sister Act” is a delightful retelling of the original film, full of joyful music and great comic characters. “As most Generation X and up fans of the movie will remember, the content is PG, with some gunplay and mild profanity. But the warm-hearted message of sisterhood and friendship make this a wonderful show for families with older elementary students and teens.”
About 200 individuals and groups work together each year to bring the Jordan-Matthews musical to life. This year’s effort is led by a creative team including director Mikala Richardson, music director Allison Blaylock, technical director Aaron Partin, art director Laura Newman and dance directors Hannah Marr and Sawyer Kadel. Cynthia Bredenberg and Heath Smith are assisting with wardrobe and makeup.
“Sister Act” is produced by JMArts with assistance from Belk Building Supply and Bynum Front Porch. The production is licensed by Music Theatre International.
More about the musical and other JMArts projects to create opportunity for high school artists is available at jmarts.org and through social media @JMHSArts on Facebook, Instagram and Threads.
# # # #
Mother Superior (left, Felix Banks) is trying to make Deloris (right, Angel Johnson) live like a nun, but she’s not cooperating — and Sister Mary Robert (Delaney Fuquay) just prays everyone will get along. “Sister Act,” the smash Broadway musical running March 20-22 at Jordan-Matthews High School, was adapted from the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg. (Photo by Chip Pate)
Can Detective Souther (right, Hunter Scott) protect Deloris (Angel Johnson) from the gangster (Aaron Burrows) bent on wiping her out? Find out when more than 30 student actors take the stage at Jordan-Matthews from March 20-22 to present three performances of the Broadway musical, “Sister Act.” In all, about 200 individuals and organizations are working together to bring the story to life. (Photo by Chip Pate)