Based on film starring Whoopi Goldberg, production will have audiences raising their voices
Porthouse Theatre, Kent State University’s outdoor, summer theatre located on the grounds of Blossom Music Center, will open its 48th season with the regional premiere of “Sister Act.”
Directed by Porthouse Executive Producer Eric van Baars, “Sister Act” opens June 17 and runs through July 2. A preview performance will take place on June 16. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater and book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner, “Sister Act” is based on the hit 1992 motion picture starring Whoopi Goldberg. When nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she ends up in protective custody in a place she never imagined: a convent. Posing as a nun, Deloris’ disco style aggravates Mother Superior and injects new hope and energy into the church and community. Performances are June 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, July 1 and 2 at 8 p.m. and June 19 and 26 at 2 p.m.
The production features Kent State alumna Colleen Longshaw* as Deloris Van Cartier, Professor and Porthouse Producing Artistic Director Terri Kent* as Sister Mary Lazarus, Jim Bray* as Joey, alumna Tracee Patterson* as Mother Superior, alumnus Jim Weaver* as Curtis and faculty member Rohn Thomas* as Monsignor O’Hara.
Costume design is by alumna Sarah Russell, sound design by alumnus Nathan Rosmarin, music direction by Assistant Professor Jennifer Korecki, lighting design by Kent State College of the Arts Associate Dean Cynthia Stillings, scenic design by Ben Needham, choreography by alumna Kelly Meneer and technical direction by Associate Professor Steve Pauna. The Equity production stage manager is alumna Liz Talaba*.
Subscriptions are on sale now and can be purchased by phone at 330-672-3884 or at the Porthouse Box Office. Single tickets and group tickets also are now on sale and can be purchased by phone at 330-672-3884, in person at the Porthouse Box Office or online at www.porthousetheatre.com. The Porthouse Box Office is located in the Roe Green Center lobby of Kent State’s Center for the Performing Arts, 1325 Theatre Drive in Kent, and is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Subscriptions for the Gold Center section range in price from $66-93. Subscriptions for the Left and Right Center sections range in price from $60-84 for adults, $63-84 for seniors and $42-63 for students and children.
Single tickets range in price from $22-40 for adults and $20-34 for students and children. Special rates for groups of 10 or more also are available.
The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program/organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.
For more information about Porthouse Theatre, visit www.porthousetheatre.com.
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
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Media Contacts:
Joni Koneval, jkoneval@kent.edu, 330-672-0116
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595