Riverside Theatre to Stage SISTER ACT This Spring

Riverside Theatre, led by Producing Artistic Director/CEO Allen D. Cornell and Managing Director/COO Jon R. Moses, ends the celebrated 2015-2016 season with the joyous Broadway comedy smash, SISTER ACT. Performing on the Stark Stage from April 12 - May 1, 2016, SISTER ACT is sponsored by Bill & Judy Schneebeck and Riverside Theatre's Patron Producers' Group. SISTER ACT is produced in association with the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia.

One of Broadway's newest musical comedy smashes, SISTER ACT is the amazing, high-energy show that has audiences jumping to their feet! Nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Musical and featuring original music by multi-Oscar and Tony Award winner Alan Menken, SISTER ACT tells the story of disco diva Deloris Van Cartier and the outrageous events that transpire after she witnesses a murder. Placed under protective custody, the cops house her in the last place anyone would think to look: a convent! Disguised as a nun, Deloris uses her unique talents to energize the moribund choir of nuns as they try to win a talent competition.

Based on the very popular 1992 movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, SISTER ACT follows Philadelphia nightclub performer Deloris as she hides from her gangster boyfriend, Curtis Jackson, after he disposes of a supposed informant. Hiding out at the convent, Deloris is hopelessly bored, but is maneuvered by the mother superior to take over the choir and help with their musicality. The choir becomes an instant hit, garnering huge donations which shore up the shaky financial status of the church.

Due to the choir's new popularity and media attention, Curtis recognizes Deloris and sets out to "take care of her" once and for all. The sisters intervene, putting themselves in the line of fire when the sheriff arrives and saves the day.

The show originally opened on London's West End in 2009 and was followed by the Broadway version in 2011. Whoopi Goldberg, who played Deloris in the films, was a producer. The show was nominated for five Tony Awards, five Drama Desk Awards, and four Lawrence Olivier Awards, including Best Musical in all three.

Composer Alan Menken is best known as the composer for various Disney films, including Beauty and the Beast, and Little Mermaid. He has won eight Oscars for Best Original Song and Best Original Score (four each) and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Lyricist Glen Slater has received Tony nominations for SISTER ACT and The Little Mermaid and has worked on two Andrew Lloyd Webber productions including current Broadway hit, School of Rock.

Riverside Theatre's production is directed and choreographed by Richard Stafford and stars: Dan'yelle Williamson as Deloris, Mary Martello as Mother Superior, Philip Michael Baskerville as Curtis, Kent Overshown as Eddie, Laura Giknis as Sister Mary Robert, Melissa Joy Hart as Sister Mary Patrick, Diane Findlay as Sister Mary Lazarus, Ron Wisniski as Monsignor O'Hara, Fran Prisco as Joey, Tony Castellanos as Pablo, Justin Keyes as TJ, Madeleine Doherty as Sister Mary Theresa, Ellie Mooney as Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours, NaTonia Monet as Michelle, April Holloway as Tina, and Billy D. Hart as Ernie.

The Ensemble cast includes: Sara Brophy, Kelsey Flannery, Heidi Hayes, Katherine Hintz, Jesse Jones, Gergory Omar Osbourne, Owen Pelesh, Kristyn Pope, Sean Potter, Tara Tagliaferro and Ian Thomson.

The production crew includes: Ken Clifton (Music Director), Peter Barbieri (Scenic Designer), Gail Baldoni (Costume Designer), Jack Mehler (Lighting Designer), Craig Beyrooti (Sound Designer), Amy M. Bertacini (Production Stage Manager), and Rebekah Church (Assistant Production Stage Manager). Casting was done by Brian Kurtas, CSA.

SISTER ACT performs April 12 - May 1, 2016 on the Stark Stage at Riverside Theatre. Tickets start at $35. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 772-231-6990 or online at www.riversidetheatre.com.

Performances are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 7:30pm; Opening Night (the first Tuesday performan ce), Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm; with matinees on Wednesdays, select Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm.