In 1992, Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg starred as Deloris Van Cartier in “Sister Act.” The Broadway adaptation, produced by Goldberg, will make its way to Toledo in April.
“To hear people laugh and cheer the way they do at ‘Sister Act’ — a show people think they know but are pleasantly surprised to discover is not what they are expecting — is a magical experience for a producer,” Goldberg said in a news release. “Happily, audiences across the country are able to get in on the fun as Deloris and her fabulous sisters spread the love nationwide.”
Kerissa Arrington, who is playing Van Cartier, had the daunting task of stepping into to the role.
“Of course, Whoopi Goldberg — she’s an icon,” she said.
This is Arrington’s first touring production. She acted in high school and professionally at theme parks in her hometown in Texas.
“This is pretty much the biggest thing I’ve ever done,” she said.
Arrington said she was familiar with the movie and watched YouTube clips of the Broadway version before taking over the role.
“I really just let it be my own,” she said. “I read the script over and over and over … what I admire the most is the realness of the character. She’s not afraid. She’s really, really confident in who she is.”
“Sister Act” follows Van Cartier after she witnesses a murder and is put into protective custody in a convent disguised as a nun.
“I love playing her because she’s so different from me,” Arrington said. “She’s very loud and glamourous and in your face. It’s really fun to take on that character. … It’s just fun to tell her story every night.”
During Van Cartier’s escapade, she inspires a choir with disco, R&B and gospel music. The play features an original score by Academy, Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winning composer Alan Menken.
The musical will be at the Stranahan Theater for a limited engagement. Performances are 7:30 p.m. April 8-9, 8 p.m. April 10-11 and 2 p.m. April 11-12.
Tickets are available online at theaterleague.com and stranahantheater.org, at the Stranahan Theater box office at 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. or by calling (419) 381-8851.
For more information, visit www.sisteractontour.com.
