When the choir sings, the people rejoice — so get ready for some church when “Sister Act,” the final show of Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s 2023-24 Mainstage Season, opens Thursday.
The musical tells the story of flashy singer Deloris Van Cartier, who witnesses a murder and is allowed to hide under the black and white garb of a nun in a convent while waiting to testify in the trial.
As an outsider, Deloris brings stained glass-like color to the choir after she’s handed the baton and asked to direct. The choir goes from off-key to sensational, and what happens next surprises even Mother Superior. (And Deloris, whose cover gets blown.) People start flooding in to watch and participate as a community, livening up the streets outside and as well as the church within.
South Carolina-based West Hyler, who’s directed productions in Australia, New Zealand, China, South Africa, Singapore, London and Canada, directs “Sister Act.” His wife, Shelley Butler, also directs internationally and his 14-year-old son Dashel, who has grown up in the theater, sometimes is able to travel with one or both of them.
Hyler was invited to direct by Cape Fear Regional Theatre Artistic Director Mary Kate Burke. He succeeded Burke as the director at the New York Musical Festival when she moved to Fayetteville.
“I’ve known Mary Kate for at least 15 years and kept in touch with her over her fabulous career,” Hyler said. “She is a brilliant artist and producer.”
Hyler said he got "incredibly lucky" with the performers who signed on for the show, and says the cast measures up to any on Broadway. He gave special mention to Alexis Tidwell, whom he met when she portrayed Little Eva in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” in the Broadway national tour, and choreographer Lisa “L-boogie” Bauford, known as a formidable street dancer in New York City.
“She’s a phenomenal hip hop dancer and brings an incredible positivity to the stage,” Hyler said of Bauford. “Once Alexis and L Boogie were in, I knew this show was going to be really special. It’s bigger than a musical, and has felt special and joyful from every angle, even from the auditions.”
He said the talented cast has exceeded his expectations in every way.
“Danette Holden, who plays Mother Superior and has Broadway credits, has an incredible voice,” Hyler said. “Our design team does amazing work too. Lighting designer Karen Spahn is one of the best in the business, Riw Rakkulchon with scenic design, Harri Horsley in costumes. They’ve all had huge careers.”
Other familiar names include Joshua Walker, who was seen in “Jelly’s Last Jam” last season, and Dax Valdes and Alessandra Antonelli, who were cast in “The Addams Family” in the fall. Among the cathedral singers and ensemble are local favorites Amber Dawn French, Tishmone’, Keri Small and Jordan Hankerson.
CFRT Marketing Director Ashley Owen said "Sister Act" has also become a family affair in more ways than the title with mother/daughter team LeSherrie and Launa Draughon. LeSherrie is making her CFRT debut playing Tina, and Launa, her daughter, a 16-year-old high school junior, is a part of the show’s ensemble. Launa’s CFRT credits include “The Color Purple,” “The Addams Family” and “Into the Woods.”
"Sister Act" is also the last mainstage show in the building as it stands now. The theater's Act II construction begins construction after this season ends.
“The energy in the building is so high,” Owen said. “We have had a record season and next year is already getting a lot of attention. We are looking forward to the future.”
“Sister Act” performances run through May 26, with 7:30 p.m. shows Wednesdays through Saturday and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. The May 9 performance is already sold out.
Ticket prices range from $19 to $37. Special events during the run of the show include Disco Diva Night on May 2; Boogie with L-Boogie, where you can learn moves from show choreographer Bauford, on May 3; Military Appreciation Night on May 8, and Teacher Appreciation Night on May 10 (with 25% off ticket prices).
For more information, go here or call the box office at 910-323-4233. Cape Fear Regional Theatre is located at 1209 Hay Street.
Jami McLaughlin can be reached at jmclaughlin@cityviewnc.com or 910-391-4870.
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