Nun ensemble and Deloris (Ashley Williams) in Sister Act at Little Theatre of Alexandria/Photo by Matthew Randall
Rush! To get an early Valentine's present found on stage in Alexandria.
But, there're not many Valentines left!
It's a delightful Sister Act which is fun! It's delightful! Entertaining! And, oh, will you leave happy!
These "sisters" act, sing, and dance the night away to bring a really great show to the stage at Little Theatre of Alexandria.
Did I say fun?
Where did the producers find her? Ashley Williams is the star of the show, a teacher of pre-K.
Her character is Deloris Van Cartier who shines and leads the musical, spreading her charm on those around her, including the audience.
She's the wannabe, runaway singer who needs to hide after witnessing a murder committed by her boyfriend and his cronies and what better place to run to than a convent, says a friendly cop (Alonzo Cook), who just happens to be an old friend from school.
At the convent, Deloris (as my mother used to say) "upsets the routine."
You got that right, sister!
The show has so many stars, where to begin?
Besides Ms. Williams, several "sisters" (who are all named "Mary") play key roles like the perpetually giggling Sister Mary Patrick (Gina Tune) whose face I know must be hurting at show's end from smiling so big and broadly from start to finish.
The novitiate, Sister Mary Robert (Allison Meyer) has a voice to reach the highest nave, and Sister Mary Lazarus (Jennifer Reynolds) is an old cripple who widens the age range of the participants, appreciatively.
From left: Mother Superior (Christine Maxted) and Monsignor (Peter Fannon in Sister Act at Little Theatre of Alexandria/Photo by Matthew Randall
Some of my other favorites were the Monsignor (Peter Fannon) who gradually picks up the beat there in the corners, gathering momentum and rolling his shoulders in time with the music.
That man's got rhythm!
The stern Mother Superior (Christine Maxted) is super stern and shows off her global acting experiences.
Even the Pope gets in on the act.
From left: Paola (Odette Guiterrez del Arroyo), Curtis (Paul Caffrey), and Joey (Evan Zimmerman) in Sister Act at Little Theatre of Alexandria/Photo by Matthew Randall
Kathleen McCormack's terrific choreography has the nuns kickin' up their heels, none funnier that the gangsters' prance, led by Joey (Evan Zimmerman) who made me gleeful very time he and his buddies in crime (Luke Martin and Odette Guiterrez del Arroyo who was also, dance captain) appear.
The lead bad guy, Deloris's BF, Curtis (Paul Caffrey) is the stereotypical hoodlum all the way up to his long, greased mop, flying and a'floppin, requiring the wearer to constantly brush it aside in time with the music.
Jean Schlicting and Kit Sibley's' costume designs are fitting for nuns with some sparkly thrown in for Ms. Williams's performances.
Colin Taylor directs the 19 (!) member orchestra offstage and starts the rocking, setting expectations for a "really good show."
Live music is like seeing a work of art up close and in person. It far exceeds taped sounds and "tinniness," making such a difference with added depth and enjoyment to a terrific night at the theatre. (But, I am unaware of any LTA performances with artificial music.)
Director Mike Baker's notes say his team had to produce something creative to accommodate 30 set changes, and they succeeded with fast-paced floor to ceiling photography and video for backdrops with props onstage (by Janie Downey. Julie Fischer designed the sets and was assistant producer.).
Do you like to leave happy at the end of a show?
This will leave you laughing and dancing down Alexandria's brick sidewalk, but hurry! Several shows are already sold out!
Other cast members are Jenni Philp, Eddie Perez, Margaret McGarry, Maria Ciarrocchi, Jennifer Levy, and Sandy Kozel.
Also, Aja Goode (who plays Deloris Jan. 17 - 19), Gifty Amponsem, Claire Aziza, Maria Ciarrocchi, Julianna Laseter, James Miller, Josie Morgan, Bob Thompson, Lourdes Turnblom, and David Valderrama
Other crew members: Kadira Coley and Alan Wray, producers; Sherry Clarke and Micheal J. O'Connor, stage managers; Charlotte Corneliusen, set dressing; David Correia, sound; Ken and Patti Crowley, lighting; Jim Hutzler and Jeff Nesmeyer, master carpenters; Robin Maline, hair and makeup; Steven J. McBride Jr., vocal director; Mary Beth Smith-Toomey, master electrician; Margaret Snow and Robin Worthington, wardrobe coordinators; and Russell Wyland, rigging.
Book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner
Additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Glenn Slater
Based on the movie by Joseph Howard
Sister Act was nominated for five Tony Awards in 2011, including Best Musical.
When: Now through Feb. 4, 2023, Wednesday - Saturday nights, 8 p.m. Sunday matinees are sold out.
Where: Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Tickets: $29, weekdays; $34, weekends
Covid policy: LTA has returned to full seating with no proof of vaccinations necessary, however, masks are required in the theatre.
Language: Some mild profanities
Duration: About 2.5 hours with one 15 minute intermission
Public transportation: Check the Metro and Dash bus websites. Dash is free to ride and has routes which are close to LTA.
Parking: On the streets and in many garages nearby with free parking during performances at Capital One Bank at Wilkes and Washington streets.
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