Having wowed on film and stage for decades, “Sister Act,” is at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. with a story, music and actors that are sure to have audiences laughing with joy, clapping in appreciation and even shedding a tear or two. From now until May 17, Ford’s audiences are in for an exciting story about the beloved character Sister Mary Clarence/Deloris Van Cartier, known from the celebrated “Sister Act” franchise. In an outstanding performance, Nia Savoy-Dock stars as Sister Mary Clarence/Deloris Van Cartier.After years of revisions since the musical’s stage debut in 2006 and film premiere in 1992, the Ford’s production, directed and choreographed by Jeff Calhoun, highlights the characters of Sister Mary Clarence, her villainous boyfriend, Curtis Jackson, and her “sisters,” with the setting moved from a monastery on the West Coast to Philadelphia.
With a stellar cast and musical direction by William Yanesh, this production comes with a storyline that, in the vein of the historic “Philadelphia Sound,” includes lyrics that are masterfully crafted, telling the story with songs that move the heart and touch the soul. “‘Sister Act’ is basically the same story in the stage musical version as it was in film but in our production, you learn a lot more about the characters, like mine, Sister Mary Robert,” said standout cast member Kaynysha Williams. “She’s not a character in the film, but she’s a force to be reckoned with in the play.”The Story Behind ‘Sister Act‘After Bette Midler turned down the role of Sister Mary Clarence/Deloris Van Cartier in the 1992 comedy film, “Sister Act,” Whoopi Goldberg stepped in and, as Midler later said, “wore the habit all the way to the bank!” The film grossed more than $230 million worldwide, became one of the most rented videos in the U.S. in 1993, and made Goldberg an internationally acclaimed superstar. Over a decade later, the stage musical, “Sister Act,” made its world premiere at the Pasadena Playhouse in 2006. It, too, broke all kinds of attendance records. A second regional production followed at the Alliance in Atlanta with Broadway eventually calling in April of 2011, premiering with a newly adapted form.
The new script and music highlights characters and plotlines unknown from the film franchise, offering people like Williams, playing Sister Mary Robert, a chance to shine.A graduate of D.C.’s Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Williams’ strong performance and rendition of the song, “The Life I Never Led,” is something audiences don’t want to miss. “My first love is as a singer and songwriter, so when I got a chance to take the lead on one of the songs, I wanted – I needed – to make it mine,” Williams told The Informer. “Thankfully, people have said that I did just that.”Talent in the Ford’s Production The entire cast in crew puts in hard work for audiences to enjoy in Ford’s production of “Sister Act.”For Williams, who has appeared in shows around the Washington region, becoming a musical theatre artist has afforded her another way of storytelling through the arts.
“I was a music major in high school and only became involved in musical theater during the end of my undergraduate studies,” said Williams, 32. “But the process of creating was something that I had so much fun doing that I knew I had to do it again.”Working on “Sister Act” offered Williams an opportunity to further hone her craft.“We have a talented crew and cast where there’s nothing but positive energy,” she said. “And along the way, I’m gaining so much knowledge from veterans in the industry who have welcomed me with open arms.” Playing the bad guy and love interest of Van Cartier is Derrick D. Truby Jr., who takes on the role of Curtis Jackson.Derrick D. Truby Jr.(front center) stars as 1970s mobster Curtis Jackson in the Ford’s Theatre production of “Sister Act,” on stage in Washington, D.C., now through May. 17. (Courtesy of Scott Suchman)Truby, who is entertaining in the role of Curtis Jackson, was born in Salisbury, Maryland, grew up in the Rockville/Gaithersburg area and attended Northwest High School in Germantown, Maryland.
“My mom and my grandfather were both extremely gifted singers, so I guess it’s always been in my blood,” said Truby, 31. “Making music has been something that I’ve never been able to escape but it’s not as easy as it seems because it really takes commitment. That said, I love it too much to ever let it go.” Bringing Curtis Jackson to life allowed Truby to stretch himself as an artist.“I’m not used to portraying a bad guy, so this was a first,” Truby said. “What I learned was how actors bring their own characters to the role and then how we must feed on our relationships with the other cast members. Even when you’re off your A-game or having a miserable day, you must be ready to step into character. That’s what people come to see. Sometimes, it can be exhausting. But it’s always rewarding when you achieve the required results.” Both Williams and Truby have been inspired to continue to fulfill their dreams as actors and singers because of the feedback they have received and lessons learned during the current production. Williams told The Informer she has enjoyed being part of the process of bringing a story that’s best known in film to the stage and is looking forward to working on more projects.
“As for where I go from here,” she said, “I feel like the sky’s the limit.”“Sister Act” is running at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. through May 17. For more information, go to fords.org.
Source: Washington Informer
