PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: 7/17/18

Contact: Andrew Rothman
From: Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

40 River Street
Chagrin Falls, OH 44122
Phone: 440-247-8955
E-mail: cvlt@cvlt.org
Website: www.cvlt.org

DOWNLOAD PRESS PHOTOS at CVLT.org/promo

Get into the act with CVLT’s production of SISTER ACT July 20 - August 11
CVLT's summer musical has gospel music, outrageous dancing, and an uplifting story of unlikely friendship

CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio — You’ll want to dance in your seat July 20-August 11 at Chagrin Valley Little Theatre with SISTER ACT, the “divine” Broadway musical comedy based on the 1992 hit Whoopee Goldberg film, and featuring original songs by powerhouse composer Alan Menken (Beauty & The Beast, Tangled, Little Shop of Horrors) Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays with 2 p.m. Sunday matinée on July 22 and 29. The matinée performances are already filling up.

“CVLT has a habit of presenting amazing summer musicals and this year’s is no exception,” CVLT President Julia Wolff said. “This musical comedy has it all – an inspiring story, comedy, moving gospel music, and outrageous dancing. You’ll find yourself cheering as the story unfolds.”

Nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, SISTER ACT features original music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and script by Bill and Cherie Steinkellner. Director / Choreographer Pamela LaForce has brought her daughter Alex Petsche into the flock as assistant.

“Working with my daughter on the production team has been great,” says LaForce, “because we basically have the same mind. We are able to collaborate on how to fix things to make them work on the CVLT stage, and usually we are both thinking the same exact thing.”

The CVLT production stars Aja Norman as Deloris Van Cartier, an aspiring nightclub singer who witnesses a mob murder and is stashed in a convent for protection. There she finds herself at odds with the rigid lifestyle and the uptight Mother Superior, played by Sharon Lloyd. Deloris eventually uses her disco moves and soulful singing to inspire the convent’s choir. In breathing new life into the church and community her cover is blown. Can her new sisterhood save her?

The production also stars Carolyn Voorhees as Sister Mary Robert, Laurel Bryant as Mary Patrick, Greta Rothman as Mary Lazarus, Tina Burgett-Krause as Mary Martin, and Sally Morris as Mary Theresa. Chris Macchione is gangster Curtis Jackson, with fellow mobsters played by Eric Oswald, Nathan Hill, and John Hickman. Adam Klusty is Lt. Souther and Neil Rubin is Monsignor O’Hara. The cast also features Amy Brodsky, Melody Collison, Leigh Garrett, Marissa Gelender, Lin Mullin, Bekah Neubecker, Alyssa Whiddon, Ava Wilson.

“I always liked the Sister Act movies,” says LaForce. “Everyone enjoys a story about good winning over bad and the development of unlikely friendships.” Set in the late 1970s, the show features upbeat music performed by a six-piece band under the baton of Andrew J. Novak. “Wait till you see the nuns dance,” adds LaForce. “That alone is worth the price of admission!”

Tickets are $20 for adults and $16 for seniors and students. Group rates for parties of 10 or more adults are available. Tickets may be purchased at CVLT.org, by calling 440-247-8955 or at the Box Office located at 40 River St. in Chagrin Falls. Box Office hours are 1-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

CVLT is generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and supported by the Ohio Arts Council. CVLT is a proud member of the American Association of Community Theatre and the Ohio Community Theatre Association.

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