Rainbow Stage has secured the rights to present the “gloriously funny” Sister Act as part of its 2015 Season, bringing the musical version of the beloved film to Manitoba for the very first time.
“This comes on the heels of a string of wildly successful premieres over the past three years, including Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, Mary Poppins, and Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” says Artistic Director Ray Hogg,
“We are incredibly proud to present productions that are new to the Winnipeg theatre scene whenever possible. We’re thrilled to be able to contribute to our vibrant community with fresh works such as Sister Act alongside inventive re-imaginings of classic pieces such as West Side Story and Les Misérables.”
Sister Act will be directed & choreographed by Ray Hogg and conducted by Rainbow Stage Music Theatre Conservatory alumnus Andrew St. Hilaire. The cast is a combination of Rainbow Stage veteran performers and newcomers to Winnipeg.
Fresh off of the sold-out, Robert de Niro produced tour of We Will Rock You, Saccha Dennis will make her Rainbow Stage debut starring as Deloris Van Cartier, the wise cracking, wannabe disco star made famous on the big screen by Whoopi Goldberg.
Born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Ms. Dennis sang with the world renowned Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir under the direction of Trevor Payne. Since her four years singing as a soloist with the choir, Ms. Dennis has spent many seasons at the Shaw Festival, and appeared in such roles as Lady Macbeth (Macbeth), Aldonza (Man of La Mancha), Dorothy (Wizard of Oz), and Michelle (Dreamgirls).
Rainbow Stage alumni returning to star in Sister Act include Wall of Famer Donna Fletcher and rising star Colleen Furlan.
Ms. Fletcher will star opposite Ms. Dennis as the authoritative-yet-compassionate Mother Superior. Sister Act appearance marks Ms. Fletcher’s 16th season at Rainbow Stage.
Some of the most memorable roles she has played include Laurey (Oklahoma!), Mrs. Potts (Beauty & The Beast), Jellylorum (Cats), and Vi Petty (Buddy Holly). Ms. Fletcher is also known for her excellent work as a director, having helmed Rainbow Stage’s production of Annie in 2012.
Collen Furlan joins the cast of Sister Act as the shy, mousy, yet vocally-endowed Sister Mary Robert. As previously announced, Ms. Furlan will also play Cosette in Rainbow Stage’s July 2015 production of Les Misérables.
In 2012, Furlan dazzled television audiences with her sunny disposition, glorious voice, heart-felt acting, and genuine love of performing on CBC television’s Over The Rainbow.
Ms. Dennis, Furlan & Fletcher are joined by Ross McMillan (Monsignor O’Hara), Sarah Lynn Strange (Mary Patrick), Katherine Kruegger-Peterson (Mary Lazarus), Patricia Hunter (Mary Martin of Tours), Vanessa Cobham (Michelle), Karina Berstheyn (Tina), Joanne Parker-Gibson (Mary Theresa), Troy Adams (Eddie Souther), Michael Lamont-Lytle (Curtis), David Fox (TJ), Peter Huck (Joey), Luca Meeuse (Pablo), Connor Coughlin, Omar Forrest, Brenda Gorlick, Aaron Hutton, Kelsey Lacombe, Paula Potosky, Tyrell Witherspoon, and Melanie Whyte.
For group ticket information call Danielle Plett, Patron Services Manager, dplett@rainbowstage.ca. For tickets please contact the ticket office at 204-989-0888 or rainbowstage.ca
Sister Act is based on the Touchstone Pictures Motion Picture, Sister Act, by Joseph Howard, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Cheri & Bill Steinkellner. Directed and choreographed by Ray Hogg, conducted by Andrew St. Hilaire. Previews August 12, opens August 13 and closes September 1.
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