Rejoice! Jubilant Tony-Nominated Broadway Hit SISTER ACT Kicks Off Summer At The Maltz Jupiter Theatre

The hilarious and joy-filled musical comedy smash Sister Act is just weeks away from its big Jupiter debut!

International performer and Conservatory faculty member Ricky Nahas will direct and choreograph the upcoming production of the beloved musical on June 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. on the Maltz Jupiter Theatre's stage. Fun for the entire family, tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for children.

The show will star 58 students from Palm Beach, Martin County and beyond who are participating in the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts' three-week Senior Conservatory summer camp (grades 6-12), in which students learn all aspects of theatre such as acting, dance and voice, culminating in full performances of Sister Act.

Based on the hit 1992 film of the same name, Sister Act features music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (Disney Newsies, Disney Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner and additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane.

Filled with powerful gospel music and magnificent dancing, Sister Act tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a disco diva who witnesses a murder and is put in protective custody in the one place that authorities are certain she won't be found: a convent!

Disguised as a nun, she finds herself struggling to adapt to the convent's 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, reveals her identity. Soon, her enemies are in pursuit - only to find themselves up against Deloris and the power of her newfound sisterhood.

The musical's premiere at The Pasadena Playhouse in 2006 broke records, grossing $1,085,929 and becoming the highest grossing show in the venue's history. The musical proceeded to a successful West End run in 2009 and a Broadway run in 2011 that earned five Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical.

"Sister Act has a wonderful message of finding your voice and using it to create positive change," said Julie Rowe, director of education for the Conservatory. "It's a steadfast tribute to the universal power of friendship and a lighthearted production perfect for all ages. Bring the whole family for an uplifting summer night out!"

Seen onstage in the Theatre's professional productions of Les Misérables, The Wiz and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Nahas has served as a Conservatory faculty member for the past five years, teaching voice and dance. He previously directed and choreographed the Conservatory's productions of Guys and Dolls, Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach, Jr., Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr., SEUSSICAL and Little Shop of Horrors, and also choreographed all three years of the Theatre's productions of Through the Looking Glass. Notable roles include Radames in Aida, Mungojerrie in Cats, a swing and dance captain in the National Tour of Altar Boyz and Double J in Saturday Night Fever. Currently based in West Palm Beach, Nahas has performed throughout Europe, with TV credits that include Burn Notice and Guiding Light.

"I'm elated to be directing and choreographing such a moving and powerful musical on the Maltz Jupiter Theatre's stage," Nahas said. "Sister Act is a high-energy Broadway hit filled with fierce female roles, spirited dancing and pure unbridled joy. I'd like to encourage everyone to come see our area's talented local students perform in this spirited show."

Nahas is currently spending the three weeks of camp guiding students through the process of auditioning for a Broadway show, a fast-paced rehearsal schedule and the opportunity to showcase all that they've learned onstage, complete with costumes, sets, professional lighting and a professional theater orchestra.

"The Senior Conservatory is an excellent annual opportunity for local teens to have the chance to experience what it's like to work in professional theatre and perform on that Theatre's stage in a full musical," Rowe said.

The musical features design elements from a host of industry professionals, including scenic and props design by the Theatre's properties master Casey Blanton, sound design by the Theatre's resident sound designer Marty Mets, lighting design by Michael Jon Burris, costume design by Jerry Sturdefant, music direction from Conservatory faculty member John Mercurio, dance instruction assistance from dance captain Keagan Cerny and stage management from Noelle Dibble.

Showtimes for the Conservatory's upcoming production of Sister Act are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 22, and Saturday, June 23. Tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for children. For tickets, call the Theatre's box office at (561) 575-2223 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org.

About the Conservatory

Drawing nearly 600 students per year, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts is a premiere professional Conservatory that offers a challenging, innovative and quality theatre experience to students of all ages and abilities. In addition to a full schedule of classes, the Conservatory's hands-on workshops and master classes offer students an opportunity to learn first-hand from nationally known directors and Broadway performers, agents and local instructors. More than 25 percent of the Conservatory's students receive scholarships. For more information about the Conservatory including a full schedule of classes, visit www.jupitertheatre.org/education.

About the Maltz Jupiter Theatre
The not-for-profit Maltz Jupiter Theatre has become one of Florida's preeminent professional theatres, committed to production and education through its collaborations with local and national artists. Currently the state's largest award-winning regional theatre, the Theatre draws 100,000 people annually, serves a subscription base of more than 7,758 and has world-class classroom facilities in support of its Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts, which serves hundreds of youth and adults. The Theatre is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and has earned numerous Carbonell Awards, South Florida's highest honor for artistic excellence, including the prestigious Bill Von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence. For more information about the Theatre's upcoming shows and Conservatory, visit www.jupitertheatre.org or call the box office at (561) 575-2223.

Photo by Alicia Donelan