Arizona Premiere of SISTER ACT Debuts at Mesa Arts Center

Local teens weren't born when Whoopi Goldberg's movie, "Sister Act," was released in the early '90s, but 30 teen performers are bringing the lovable singing and disco dancing nuns and cast of favorite characters to Mesa Arts Center Feb. 1-5. "Sister Act," the musical, adapted from the movie, played on both Broadway and West End stages, but has never been produced by a local community theater. Until now.

"We love performing the classics, but it's an honor to premier a show in the Valley, especially in such a thriving theater community," said Emma England, Studio 3 Artistic Director and Owner.

Produced by Gilbert's Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy in partnership with Limelight Performing Arts and co-directed and co-choreographed by Emma England and Marie South, the show tells the story of lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier, who seeks witness protection in a convent. The story unfolds as Deloris and the nuns learn to embrace each other's differences, set to a soundtrack of upbeat pop music and, of course, big dance numbers.

"This is a feel-good show that we know will get audiences of all ages rocking in their seats. Our actors rehearsed throughout their winter vacations and all this month singing and dancing to bring this uplifting story to the stage," said England.

Tickets are available directly from Mesa Arts Center or online at www.bit.ly/S3-SisterAct. Showtimes include: Wednesday (2/1), 6:30pm; Thursday (2/2), 6:30pm; Friday (2/3), 7pm; Saturday (Feb 4); 3:30pm, 7pm; Sunday (2/5), 2:30pm.

ABOUT STUDIO 3

Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy is committed to helping youth achieve their dreams. It offers performing arts classes in dance, drama, voice, music, and encourages students to become well rounded performers. They also develop confidence, responsibility, teamwork, and other life skills that will benefit them for many years to come. Studio 3's programs are centered around modest costumes and choreography and a family-friendly appeal.

Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Glenn Slater, Book by Cheri Steinkellner & Bill Steinkellner;

Additional Book Material by Carter Beane

Sister Act is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com