‘Sister Act’ was performed on the John Carroll stage from March 21 through 23.
Sister Act is the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a bold and ambitious nightclub singer in Philadelphia who witnesses her mobster boyfriend, Curtis, commit murder. To protect her, the police send her to a convent and disguise her as “Sister Mary Clarence” in an attempt to help her hide from her boyfriend. At the convent, she struggles to fit in while taking charge of the church choir.
The main roles were portrayed by a number of students from different grade levels. Deloris Van Cartier was portrayed by senior Camille Sergeon, Mother Superior by senior Amelia Watts, Lieutenant Eddie Southern by junior Evan Christy, and Curtis Jackson by sophomore Logan Wilkins.
Music Director Julie Parrish said that casting was difficult this year as they had a “lower-than-normal” turn out for auditions. “We did a really big musical with just 25 cast members. That was a challenge in itself.”
Since Sister Act is a spring performance, this is the last performance for this current school year.
“It’s really been a joy to works with the seniors in all capacities of the show. They will truly be missed,” said Mrs. Parrish.
Sister Act focuses on the message of not being afraid to come out of one’s shell, believing in oneself, and finding one’s talents to spread love around.
“We’ve been joking that a lot of our shows involve nuns in one way or another,” said Mrs. Parrish.
Last year, JC performed The Sound of Music which involved another convent with several students cast as nuns.
This year, though, Mrs. Parrish said that Sister Act was different because “it contained new and disco music.”
The inspiration of this musical was the thought of the music being fun and upbeat while still being appropriate at a Catholic school.
Evan felt that although the cast was smaller for such a large musical, all performers were very confident in themselves, and that made up for it.
His favorite part was performing in the matinee, a performance for local schools before the larger performances for the community. He loved the idea of inspiring kids to come out of their shells and be themselves.
Logan described his character Curtis Jackson as “a main antagonist who is controlling and abusive. He is very self-centered, and his gang will do whatever it takes to have control and keep a low profile.”
He felt that his character conflicted with his own personality, but this added an extra challenge for him.
With this being the last show for seniors, Logan wanted to say that he is so glad that he had the opportunity to work with all of them.
“They have all been influential figures to me, and I will miss them but hope the best for them as they venture into their future and college.”
