A Las Vegas lounge singer, a gangster and a bevy of nuns make having fun a habit in “Sister Act” at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park.
The fast-paced plot of the musical, which was adapted from a 1992 movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, involves the main character of Deloris Van Cartier, a singer in a 1960s-themed act called the Ronelles, who performs in a La Vegas lounge owned by her mobster boyfriend. She goes into hiding in a convent after witnessing a murder committed by her boyfriend. Assuming the role of a nun, Deloris proceeds to bring havoc and joy to the convent where she is assigned to direct the choir and turns it into a soulful group who gain widespread notoriety, and even the attention of the pope.
The musical was written by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional material by Douglas Carter Beane. Lyrics were written by Glenn Slater and music is by Alan Menken. It is being directed at Nazareth by Kim White.
Katie Uphues, a senior from Berwyn, plays Deloris and said she enjoys the way Deloris affects the lives of the nuns, turning them from timid to courageous as they help her take down her mobster boyfriend.
“She is such a dynamic character,” said Uphues. “When you first meet her she’s just a tacky Vegas show girl. But she’s really so much more. She loves the sisters and the convent.”
Uphues said the role places her on stage where she tries to convey the main character’s lively spirit.
“It’s physically demanding,” she said. “There is a lot of singing and dancing. It’s a challenge. But it’s a good challenge to give the audience a glimpse of how dynamic she is.”
Isabella Allar, a sophomore from Westchester, performs as part of the ensemble of nuns who, under Van Cartier’s tutelage, go from being uptight and timid about their music to singing with joy.
“I like how much all the characters develop,” Allar said. “She really has an impact on us.”
She also enjoys performing in general.
“My dad was an actor so theater has always been a big part of my life,” she said.
Allar said the production also is a chance for her to be on stage with her brother, Garrett Allar, a senior who is performing as the monsignor.
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“It’s nice to be doing this with him during his last year,” she said.
‘Sister Act’
When: 7 p.m. April 27, 28 and 29; and at 1 p.m. April 30
Where: The Romano Theatre, 1206 W. Ogden Ave., La Grange Park
Tickets: $18 at the door
More information: 708-387-8528.