In its 45th season, Cabrillo Stage continues to earn a reputation for producing huge, splashy musicals with incredible production value right here in Santa Cruz County. Whether it’s the blockbuster hit “In the Heights” or a smaller juke box powerhouse like “Beehive,” local audiences have come to expect nothing but the best from this local gem. Under the continued artistic leadership of Andrea Hart, this summer hits the stage with the force of a disco ball struck by divine inspiration with the soulful musical based on the smash hit ‘90s movie: “Sister Act.”
“It’s a show where strangers become sisters, where confidence blooms and where music transforms a community from the inside out,” says Hart. “You’re going to leave the show wanting to raise your voice high!”
The play centers on the confident, outspoken, and electric nightclub singer, Deloris Van Cartier, played by Karriyma Pekary (last seen at Cabrillo Stage as Vanessa in “In the Heights”). After witnessing a murder, Deloris is whisked away to witness protection in the most unlikely of places: a convent. What begins as a reluctant hiding spot quickly becomes a springboard for transformation as Deloris is nudged into leading the convent’s struggling choir. Her arrival ignites a burst of energy and joy that helps the sisters discover confidence, harmony, and the thrill of singing out loud and proud.
The secret sauce of Cabrillo Stage’s success is the exciting combination of fan favorite actors returning for another summer alongside exciting debuts from new talent. And this cast is packed with both. Sofia Rosas and Melissa Martinez (“In the Heights”), Jennifer Taylor Daniels (“Beehive”), and Mindy Pedlar (“Wizard of Oz”) play members of the lively convent community. They are joined by newcomers Tory Gordon, Kiki Lipsett, Sandi Lewandowski, and Tessa Miles Rosen, to name a few. Other returning local favorites include Bobby Marchessault and David Jackson, who play Deloris’ past and future loves. This outstanding cast is already in rehearsals at Cabrillo with a creative team of sought-after Santa Cruz stars. Rebecca Haley Clark is directing for the first time at Cabrillo Stage after helming “Master Harold and the Boys” for Santa Cruz Shakespeare last summer. Daniel Goldsmith returns as music director, having led the impressive 21-piece orchestra for “Sweeney Todd” last summer, and Babe Payne, previously seen on stage in “Grease,” joins as choreographer.
With a musical score by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors) brought to life by this team of visionaries, there is no doubt you will be on your feet dancing along by the end of the show. Daniel Goldsmith will also conduct the 11-piece live band that is sure to blow the roof off the beautiful Cabrillo Crocker Theater.
Whether you are coming for the music, the story, the cast, or the team, you can be sure your experience will be full of laughter, joy, and a soul-lifting love for our local theater community.
Tickets are on sale now. View the whole performance schedule HERE.
