J-DAPA's Sister Act set to take stage at JHS

Bolstered by an unmatched enthusiasm and a talented troupe, J-DAPA’s “Sister Act” will make its debut tomorrow night at the Johnston High School Auditorium.

Everyone from Executive Director Donna Tellier – who founded the highly-successful Johnston Dance and Performing Arts amateur non-profit – to a cast of characters and stage and lighting personnel will be part of the “Sister Act” show that uses music to bring different communities and lifestyles together.

Nearly 50 people of all ages will make up the cast, which will be on the JHS stage tomorrow night and again Saturday night, with the curtain going up at 6:30 p.m.

Tellier’s talented troupe will be back inside the JHS Auditorium the following weekend, presenting a March 24 performance at 6:30 p.m., with two more shows on Saturday, March 25 at 2 and 6:30 p.m.

“Sister Act” takes place in Philadelphia and features an aspiring singer named Deloris Van Carter who is misled by a gangster named Curtis, who instead of keeping his promise and introducing her to a big-time producer lies, and in the process murders one of his cronies and is seen doing so by Van Carter. She’s placed in hiding in a convent where she at first couldn’t connect with the restraints of life there, but later befriends the nuns.

As “Sister Act” moves on, the nuns help give Van Carter a bigger purpose in her life, showing her a genuine love and affection that was missing prior to her arrival at the convent. The show is a must see, especially since many Johnstonians who either attend Nicholas A. Ferri Middle School or Johnston High School are members of the cast.

Since J-DAPA’s inception, the company has worked towards bettering the JHS Auditorium and has done so, Tellier said, by “purchasing a stage curtain for the audition, a sound system along with the PTSO, the Music Association, lighting and scholarships for JHS students just to name a few.”

So it’s nearly curtain time and here’s the cast – in its entirety – that is headlined by Deloris Van Carter who is played by Arielle Rogers and Mother Superior, Meryn Flynn and of course, Curtis by Matthew Boudreau.

Others in leading roles are: Sister Mary Robert, Renee Roy; Sister Mary Patrick, Ashlyn Quinton; Sister Mary Lazarus, Alexis Guglielmo; Sister Mary Martin of Tours, Sarah Banno; Sister Mary Theresa, Gabrielle Dworkin; and Monsignor O’Hara, Dave Banno.

Also cast in leading roles are: Eddie Southard, Thomas Sabetta; Tj, Evan Pennaccchia; Joey, Matthew Eisemann; and Pablo, Zachary Zambarano.

Ensemble roles are played by: Michelle, Isabella Battista; Tina, Emily Gaye, Ernie, Eddie DiLorenzo and Nuns 1 to 7 Ashley DiLorenzo, Sophia Ribezzo, Serna Roy, Aubrey Jacavone, Emily Gaye, Kathy Jaroma and Isabella Battista.

Bar Patrons are Natayla Tammelleo and Eddie DiLorenzo with the Hooker played by Ashley DiLorenzo and Waitress by Kathleen Jaroma. The Thug is Nathan Souvannavong, Bar Tender is Ricky, the Cop is Taylor and the Drag Queen is portrayed by Nathan Souvannavong.

Also included in the talented troupe is Taylor Wilkey, who plays both the Cab Driver and Newscaster. Meanwhile, Alter Servers and Fantasy Dancers are played by Kelly Dargy, Maya Ferreirra, Juliana Pires and Isabella Ribezzo.

“Sister Act” epitomizes J-DAPA, which continues to promote an appreciation of the arts though involving performances of all ages throughout the Rhode Island community. Ticket prices are $12 in advance and $15 at the door and may be reserved by calling 1-855-222-2TIX.