SISTER ACT Set to Take Over Mainstage at Cumberland County Playhouse Today

Sister Act - the feel-good musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, that has proven to be a hit with audiences all across Tennessee - will open at Crossville's Cumberland County Playhouse on July 21, running through September 8.

Featuring original music by Tony Award and eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), the musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

"When I first saw Sister Act on Broadway, I knew it was a perfect show for the Playhouse," said artistic director Britt Hancock. "I know our audiences are going to love the show's humor, its amazing music and its truly heartwarming message."

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier (Illeana Kervin, Shrek) witnesses a murder committed by her gangster boyfriend, Curtis (Jason Ross, The Odd Couple), she runs to the police station to report the crime, where she discovers that the desk chief, Eddie (Michael Ruff, The Little Mermaid) is an old friend from school. Eddie decides that Deloris needs to go into witness protection and sends her to the one place he's sure she won't be found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, Deloris finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and the uptight Mother Superior (Lauren Marshall, The Addams Family). The Mother Superior suggests that Deloris lead the church's 24-person choir, which includes Jess Martin (The Odd Couple), Patty Payne (Lend Me a Tenor), and Natasha Ricketts (Beauty and the Beast). 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, but Deloris finds salvation in the heavenly power of her newly found sisterhood

Sister Act is directed by Playhouse producing director Bryce McDonald (Million Dollar Quartet) and features choreography by Leila Nelson (Beauty and the Beast), and musical direction by Ron Murphy.

Currently at the Playhouse: Smoke on the Mountain in the Adventure Theater, through August 10. Upcoming: Lying in State in the Adventure Theater, August 18 through October 6. Tickets may be reserved by calling (931) 484-5000 or at www.ccplayhouse.com.