‘Sister Act’ brings a soulful celebration to Tower stage

Alluvion Stage Company, Liberty University’s professional theater company, is taking audiences to church with “Sister Act,” Sept. 18-Oct. 4 on the Tower Theater stage. This is the Central Virginia premiere of the show.

At its heart, the show celebrates new beginnings, with plenty of laughs and songs along the way.

The production features original music by eight-time Oscar-winner Alan Menken and tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a down-and-out lounge singer. After she witnesses a murder, Cartier is placed in protective custody by police in the last place anyone would look for her — a convent. Cartier, not accustomed to pious living, stirs up trouble before being assigned to the convent’s choir. Eventually, she injects new life into both the choir and the local community, helping them rediscover their joy. Cartier finds a new chance at life, and in the process, become part of an unbreakable sisterhood.

Tiffany Byrd, a professional actress from Northern Virginia, injects joyful energy into the role of Cartier. She leads a 30-member cast, including 14 Liberty students. (Through Alluvion, professionals work side-by-side with students both on the stage and behind the scenes.) Department of Theatre Arts students have appreciated learning from Byrd, who holds a B.F.A. in musical theater and shares that conservatory-style training with her castmates.

Linda Nell Cooper, Alluvion’s artistic director, noted that just as the choreography and music make “Sister Act” a Gospel-flavored spectacle, the costumes and lighting, managed by a crew of 15 (eight of which are Liberty students), reinforce the story’s bright exuberance.

“This story is all about new beginnings,” Cooper said. “About rediscovering the joy of life, and finding it in unexpected places. Whether it is the sisters’ rediscovering the joy of their faith, or Cartier finding new life, this production is hopeful. Our audience is sure to leave with a song in their hearts.”

School of Music assistant professor Kathryn Voelker serves as musical director, which, in addition to voice training, includes conducting the live orchestra. Guest artist Wally Calderon — a director from Sight and Sound Theaters in Lancaster, Pennsylvania — staged the choreography.

The final weekend of performances will focus on honoring the Liberty University Police Department, Cooper said. She explained that the show’s male lead, Lt. Eddie Souther (portrayed by 2014 alumnus Joel Ledbetter), positively characterizes law enforcement, and she wanted to give our local heroes the respect they deserve.

“Sister Act” opens the 2015-16 theater season at Liberty, which also includes “The Velveteen Rabbit” (Oct. 15-18), “Twelfth Night” (Oct. 30-Nov. 8), and “Meet Me in St. Louis” (Dec. 4-15). Visit the Tower Theater website for dates, show times, and more information.