Among the microphones, makeup – and nun habits – is the eager cast and crew of this year’s Bridgeport High School senior play, “Sister Act.” The funny musical, which tells the story of quirky Deloris Van Cartier – a murder witness which seeks out protection at a convent, but winds up instilling a new spiritual spark in the process – is ideal for the graduating class of 2018, said cast member, Alyssa Dent.

 

“The play is perfect for my senior class because it’s super fun and comical and I feel like, overall, it fits the personality of our whole entire grade,” she said.

 

The last six weeks of rehearsal have been a blast, Dent said, but she admits the experience has been more in depth than she imagined when she tried out for the show back in September.

 

“We work on choreography and run through each scene and song multiple times to get everything perfect,” she said.

 

When the cast first gathered, there was some talk about the 1992 movie which inspired the stage show; how the uptight Mother Superior played by Maggie Smith cramped the fancy-free lifestyle of Deloris - played by Whoopi Goldberg - and how she breathed new life into the church, creating a strong bond of sisterhood, not to mention a rockin’ gospel choir.

 

The student actors have settled into their roles well, said Jared St. Martin Brown, BHS theater teacher. With a mix of seasoned actors and those new to the stage, everyone is meshing well.

 

“It always happens with the (senior) show. People make new friends and get to see a different side of one another,” he said. “Each person is in a new role or a new job; sometimes out of their comfort zone. It helps kids to make new friends and make a bond.”

 

 “Sister Act” is new territory for students in a number of ways.

 

“These students were born in 1999, way before the movie came out. In fact, the musical is fairly new and the music in it is all original,” Brown said. “Alan Menken wrote the music for this show and he’s really well-known by the public for composing music for Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid,’ ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Aladdin,’ as well as ‘Little Shop of Horrors.” It’s always fun, catchy music and interesting.”

 

To lend a fresh, new set - and perspective - to the senior showcase, BHS Theatre has secured the professional help of Troy Snyder, professor of theater at Fairmont State University.

 

“Troy will serve as tech director of this show,” Brown said. “We thought it was time to try something new and Troy brings new perspective and a lot of experience.”

 

Trina Byard is once again serving as costume designer and Gregg Brown is directing the show.

 

The cast is comprised of 29 students with lead roles entrusted to Avery Tomes, Megan Rinker, Collin McFarland and Chris Trent.

 

Tomes, who isn’t a theater student, but has performed in church plays and local musical events, has been cast in the role of Mother Superior. She said she really didn’t have a role in mind when she auditioned and that it was a nice surprise to snag a lead role.

 

“I wanted to do this play because it is the senior showcase, so I thought it would be a good memory to be part of it,” Tomes said. “The music and dancing and everything together makes it a fun experience.”

 

Tomes has solo parts in some of the musical numbers and performs two - “Here Within These Walls” and “I Haven’t Got a Prayer” – all by herself.

 

“I’m a little nervous, but I think it will be fun,” she said.

 

Tomes describes her character as motherly, but in a rather cynical way. 

 

“She is kind of sarcastic, but I think her main priority is to make sure all the other nuns continue to do what they are supposed to do, then someone comes in and disrupts that and she’s kind of upset about it,” she said.

 

That someone, of course, is Deloris Van Cartier – who after setting up residence in the convent, becomes known as Sister Mary Clarence. Cast in that role is Megan Rinker, who said she can really identify with her character.

 

“I think she’s similar to me in the fact that she is outspoken and loves to be bold; she’s never afraid to say what’s on her mind and she is able to communicate really with others because of it,” Rinker said. “Her confidence inspires me and I love playing someone who is as independent as I try to be.”

 

All of those qualities, combined with a heaping dose of comedy relief, makes the character a fun role to play, but another thing Rinker and her character have in common is that they both love to sing.

 

“I think my favorite numbers are ‘Raise Your Voice’ and ‘Spread the Love Around’ because I get to be on stage with all of the nuns and the music is so fun and energetic,” she said.

 

“Raise Your Voice” combines vocal talent with plenty of comedy.

 

“It’s kind of funny because there’s a lot of interaction between Deloris, teaching the nuns how to sing and every nun has something unique to sing – or say,” Rinker said. “I love it.”

 

“Spread the Love Around” is an upbeat tune featured in the show’s final scene; the perfect way to close, Rinker said.

 

The dance numbers in the show are super fun to perform and all feature great choreography, she added. 

 

In addition to 29 student actors, several others work behind the scenes “to make sure it all happens,” Brown said.

 

“Sister Act” will be presented Oct. 27-29 at the BHS auditorium. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27-28 and 2 p.m. Oct. 29. All tickets are $10 and available at the door or by calling 304-842-6785.

 

 

Editor's Note: Student actors meet with Director Gregg Brown before a rehearsal of "Sister Act."