Dawnn Lewis to Headline "Sister Act" - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

James"Thunder"Early · 09-10-2006, 11:09 AM

http://www.theatermania.com/content/news.cfm/story/8996

Sep 9, 2006

Dawnn Lewis, Elizabeth Ward Land, Henry Polic II to Headline Sister Act

By: Brian Scott Lipton

Dawnn Lewis, Elizabeth Ward Land, and Henry Polic II will headline the world premiere production of Sister Act: The Musical at the Pasadena Playhouse, October 24-November 26. The show, to be directed by Peter Schneider, will then move to Atlanta's Alliance Theatre, where it will play January 17-February 25. No additional casting information is currently available.

The musical is based on the popular 1992 film written by Joseph Howard and starring Whoopi Goldberg. It features music by Oscar winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and a book by Emmy Award winners Cheri and Bill Steinkellner. Schneider directed the Los Angeles production of Grand Hotel: The Musical and is a producer of such Disney shows as The Lion King.

The plot concerns nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier (Lewis), who is placed in protective custody in a convent as she prepares to testify against her gangster ex-boyfriend. While there, she takes on the guise of Sister Mary Clarence and shakes up the convent's staid ways.

The Sister Act production team includes Michael Reno (creative supervisor), Marguerite Derricks (choreography), David Potts (set design), Garry Lennon (costume design), Donald Holder (lighting design), and Carl Casella and Dominick Sack (sound design). The orchestrations will be by Doug Besterman, and Michael Kosarin will be the music supervisor.

Lewis, best known for her role of Jaleesa on the NBC sitcom A Different World, will be seen as Melba in the upcoming film version of Dreamgirls. Land, who will play Mother Superior, appeared on Broadway in The Scarlet Pimpernel, City of Angels, and Brighton Beach Memoirs. Polic, who will play the Monsignor, has

mraw · 09-10-2006, 06:10 PM

Thanks for the news. I already told my mama, and we are going to see this when it comes to Atlanta!

mraw · 02-19-2007, 08:15 PM

I went to see "Sister Act: The Musical" Sunday and it was absolutely amazing! Dawnn Lewis did a wonderful job as Sister Mary Clarence, and I am debating on whether or not to see it again. The tickets are $60, but they are selling out fast so I need to make up my mind quick. Audrie Neenan plays Sister Mary Lazarus and she steals the show. Everyone sang so well, I'm certain that it's destined for Broadway. The songs were completely original and very entertaining.

Shortly after the play, we were standing outside of the theater and Dawnn Lewis came out! I ran over to tell her what a wonderful job she's done with the role and she thanked me and offered to take pictures (but the batteries were dead in the camera). I recognized Audrie Neenan as one of the judges on Law & Order: SVU and Henry Polic II played Jerry Silver on Webster.

Thank you James for posting this thread. You alerted me to the existence of this show and I am so grateful...

09-10-2006, 11:09 AM	#1
James"Thunder"Early Whoever's In New England Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 23, 2004 Location: The Apollo Posts: 7,088	Dawnn Lewis to Headline "Sister Act" http://www.theatermania.com/content/news.cfm/story/8996 Sep 9, 2006 Dawnn Lewis, Elizabeth Ward Land, Henry Polic II to Headline Sister Act By: Brian Scott Lipton Dawnn Lewis, Elizabeth Ward Land, and Henry Polic II will headline the world premiere production of Sister Act: The Musical at the Pasadena Playhouse, October 24-November 26. The show, to be directed by Peter Schneider, will then move to Atlanta's Alliance Theatre, where it will play January 17-February 25. No additional casting information is currently available. The musical is based on the popular 1992 film written by Joseph Howard and starring Whoopi Goldberg. It features music by Oscar winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and a book by Emmy Award winners Cheri and Bill Steinkellner. Schneider directed the Los Angeles production of Grand Hotel: The Musical and is a producer of such Disney shows as The Lion King. The plot concerns nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier (Lewis), who is placed in protective custody in a convent as she prepares to testify against her gangster ex-boyfriend. While there, she takes on the guise of Sister Mary Clarence and shakes up the convent's staid ways. The Sister Act production team includes Michael Reno (creative supervisor), Marguerite Derricks (choreography), David Potts (set design), Garry Lennon (costume design), Donald Holder (lighting design), and Carl Casella and Dominick Sack (sound design). The orchestrations will be by Doug Besterman, and Michael Kosarin will be the music supervisor. Lewis, best known for her role of Jaleesa on the NBC sitcom A Different World, will be seen as Melba in the upcoming film version of Dreamgirls. Land, who will play Mother Superior, appeared on Broadway in The Scarlet Pimpernel, City of Angels, and Brighton Beach Memoirs. Polic, who will play the Monsignor, has
	__________________ Esther Anderson: Get thee behind me, Satan, but I'm gon' get behind you, 'cause I'm gonna put my foot in your--- Peggy Mitchell: Get outta my pub! You better pray you get the last laugh, it's a kick in the teeth when you don't get it.

09-10-2006, 06:10 PM	#2
mraw Movin' On Up! Frequent Poster Join Date: Jul 09, 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 343	Thanks for the news. I already told my mama, and we are going to see this when it comes to Atlanta!

02-19-2007, 08:15 PM	#3
mraw Movin' On Up! Frequent Poster Join Date: Jul 09, 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 343	I went to see "Sister Act: The Musical" Sunday and it was absolutely amazing! Dawnn Lewis did a wonderful job as Sister Mary Clarence, and I am debating on whether or not to see it again. The tickets are $60, but they are selling out fast so I need to make up my mind quick. Audrie Neenan plays Sister Mary Lazarus and she steals the show. Everyone sang so well, I'm certain that it's destined for Broadway. The songs were completely original and very entertaining. Shortly after the play, we were standing outside of the theater and Dawnn Lewis came out! I ran over to tell her what a wonderful job she's done with the role and she thanked me and offered to take pictures (but the batteries were dead in the camera). I recognized Audrie Neenan as one of the judges on Law & Order: SVU and Henry Polic II played Jerry Silver on Webster. Thank you James for posting this thread. You alerted me to the existence of this show and I am so grateful...