Ever hear of Deloris Van Cartier? How about a mobster turned killer named Curtis?
Those two characters are the headliners in what promises to be one of the best productions presented by Johnston Dance and Performing Arts (J-DAPA) a non-profit that promotes love and appreciation for the arts involving performers of all ages from across Rhode Island.
Beginning Friday, March 17, J-DAPA will present “Sister Act,” a joyous show that will be staged inside Johnston High School’s Auditorium on five different dates by a talented troupe of aspiring artists, from middle school students to adults.
Leading the production is Donna Tellier, J-DAPA’s founder and executive director, who has worked tirelessly to producer “Sister Act.”
“We are really looking forward to an exciting production,” Tellier said. “Our entire cast has again worked real hard for this production.”
“Sister Act” promises to uphold the tradition of excellence that has always been the company’s trademark. If past performances offer any measuring stick, the upcoming production could scale new heights.
Tellier offered a brief synopsis of “Sister Act,” which centers around Deloris Van Carter, an aspiring singer in Philadelphia where she is auditioning to perform at her gangster boyfriend’s night club.
“She believes that Curtis is going to introduce her to a big producer, but is upset when he tells her she is not ready. Hurt and rejected, Deloris decides to break up with him, but when she goes to find him, she accidentally sees him kill one of his cronies,” said Tellier. “She runs to the police, who place her in hiding at a convent until Curtis is brought to trial.”
As Tellier explained, “Deloris feels as though it will be the worst thing in the world, chafing against the constraints of convent life and an immovable Reverend Mother, but once she is introduced to the struggling choir at the convent, everything changes.”
Deloris then finds that many of the nuns at the convent are not that different from her and that they are quite fun to be around.
“They help give her a bigger purpose in her life,” Tellier said. “They show her a genuine love and affection that was missing prior to her arrival at the convent. We’ll leave the rest to your imagination until the curtain goes up next week.”
Although upwards of 40 people are included in the entire “Sister Act” troupe, Deloris Van Carter will be portrayed by Arielle Rogers and Mother Superior is Meryn Flynn. Curtis, meanwhile, will be played by Matthew Boudreau with Alexis Guglielmo taking the role of Sister Mary Lazarus.
“Sister Act” also has characters like Hooker played by Ashley DiLorenzo and Thug and Drag Queen played by Nathan Souvannavong. Tellier plans to unveil the list of all characters early next week as she continues to produce another performance that directly raise money for much-needed items like purchasing a new stage curtain for the JHS Auditorium, sound system, lighting, and scholarships that are among J-DAPA’s ongoing accomplishments.
Shows will be held on March 18 and 24 with the curtain going up at 6:30 p.m., and also on March 25 at 2 and 6:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $12 and $15 at the door. Half price tickets for senior citizens will be sold on March 9 and again on March 16 from noon to 1:15 p.m. before the Johnston senior Center bingo. Tickets may be ordered on line at tuttix.com/J-DAPA or by calling call 1-855-222-2TIX.
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LEADING LADIES:
Arielle Rogers (left), who plays Deloris Can Carter in the upcoming J-DAPA production of “Sister Act,” chats with Meryn Flynn (a.k.a. Mother Superior) during a scene inside the Covent where she has been placed for protection by police. (Sun Rise photos by Pete Fontaine)
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SINGING SISTERS:
Deloris Van Carter (center and a.k.a. Arielle Rogers, shouts to the sisters who make up the struggling choir in the convent where she makes friends with many of the nuns in the J-DAPA production of “Sister Act” that debuts March 17 inside Johnston High School’s Auditorium.
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