Photo Coverage: SISTER ACT at Mac-Haydn Theatre

Mac-Haydn is raising its voice with SISTER ACT.

The Mac-Haydn Theatre heads back to the 1970s with this hysterical hit, based on the blockbuster movie starring Whoopie Goldberg.

When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

This rocking, gospel-packed score, penned by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, includes some new hits like "Fabulous Baby", "Take Me to Heaven", "Spread the Love Around" and "Raise Your Voice". This show is as moving as it is funny, so prepare yourself for a heavenly time!

Monica M. Wemitt plays Mother Superior, a habit she's donned before in "Nunsense" and "The Sound of Music". A perennial Mac-Haydn favorite performer, last year her comedy shone as "The Drowsy Chaperone" and Mrs. Meers in "Thoroughly Modern Millie".

Aneesa Folds will play Deloris, following her 'delight to watch and hear' portrayal of Mama Morton in "Chicago". No stranger to spirituals on the MHT stage, last summer she delivered a show-stopping "I Know Where I've Been" as Motormouth Mabel in "Hairspray".

Rasheem Ford, who played a poignant Collins in "Rent" and spunky Seaweed in "Hairspray" last year, will be Eddie. The gangster Curtis will be played by Gabe Belyeu; he played The Wolf in "Into The Woods" and was delightfully roguish as Alfie Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" at the beginning of the Mac-Haydn season. Also featured are Erin Spears Ledford (Stepmother in "Into The Woods") as Sister Mary Patrick, Emily Louise Franklin (Ulla in last summer's "The Producers") as Sister Mary Robert, Beatrice Crosbie (Billie Bendix in "Nice Work If You Can Get It") as Sister Mary Martin-Of-Tour, Carol Charniga (A MHT vet of 10 years) as Sister Mary Lazarus, and Daniel Klingenstein (Chief Berry in "Nice Work If You Can Get It") as Monsignor O'Hara. Anthony ChristIan Daniel makes his Mac-Haydn Theatre directing debut, Maddie Apple (Director/Choreographer for "Nice Work If You Can Get It") returns to choreograph. Josh D. Smith music directs, Kurt Alger costume designs and Andrew Gmoser set designs.

Rounding out the cast is: Ryan Gregory Thurman (MHT Company Member 2015) as Joey, Stephen Millett, Chris Hendricks, Kelsey Woods, Kate Suppes, Andrew Jordan DeWitt, Sarah Kawalek, Amy Laviolette, Lily Lewis, Joan Faxon, Victoria Benkoski, Emily Spateholts, Pat Moran and Matthew Blum.

"Sister Act" runs August 11 through August 21. Performance times and prices vary, see website for details. Group rates are available. Call (518)392-9292 or visit www.machaydntheatre.org for information and reservations.