Convents, disco, murder collide in 'Sister Act'

Flathead Hight School student Annie Jones stars as Deloris Van Cartier in “Sister Act.”

Columbia Falls High School student Estevon Torres works with Broadway veteran actor Mike Eldred during a rehearsal for “Sister Act.”

| April 25, 2017 2:57 PM

Columbia Falls High School student Estevon Torres works with Broadway veteran actor Mike Eldred during a rehearsal for Sister Act.

Disco music and cloistered convents will collide in the hit musical “Sister Act” when it hits the stage at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center this weekend.

Shows are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

The Tony Award-nominated musical is based on the 1992 hit film starring Whoopi Goldberg, and will be performed by 33 students ages 13-18 from eight different schools across the Flathead Valley. It is part of the ATP Kids theatre education program and is presented by Kalispell KiDDS.

Featuring original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken, this uplifting musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

“Menken is a master of musical theatre,” says ATP Producing Artistic Director, Betsi Morrison who, along with Broadway veterans, Luke Walrath and Mike Eldred, are teaching the teenage students.

“The music in this show is a perfect mix of fun throwbacks to the disco-era and uplifting, inspiring anthems about finding your true self.”

Sister Act is a classic “fish out of water” comedy — when would-be disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be a found, a convent. Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

ATP Kids is the cornerstone of Alpine Theatre Project’s educational programming, which include programs for elementary, middle, and high school students along with professional internships. More than 1,000 students have taken part in ATP’s educational programs since 2008.

This session is presented by Kalispell KiDDS and sponsored by the The ATP Educational Fund, Freedom Bank, Foley Family Charitable Foundation, Flathead Electric Co-op, Phil and Donna Harris, Kalispell Regional Healthcare, and Soroptimist International.

The ATP Kids Program was assisted this year through the Montana Arts Council’s “Arts in Schools and Communities” program.

Tickets are $10 to $18 and can be purchased online at http://www.atpwhitefish.org/.