The Philip Lynch Theatre (PLT) at 51ºÚÁÏ invites audiences to experience the high-energy musical comedy “Sister Act,” running April 24–26 and April 30–May 3. Featuring a cast led by 51ºÚÁÏ students and alumni, the production celebrates the creativity, talent, and dedication of 51ºÚÁÏ students both onstage and behind the scenes.
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), “Sister Act” is based on the beloved 1992 film and features original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors). The musical earned five Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical.
Performance Schedule and Tickets
Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on April 24–25 and May 1–2, with 2:30 p.m. matinees on April 26 and May 3. An additional 7:30 p.m. performance will be held on April 30. The production contains light, stylized gun violence, but is considered family-appropriate. The running time is approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including intermission.
Tickets are affordably priced to welcome the community:
- $15 for adults
- $14 for seniors and non-51ºÚÁÏ students
- $3 for 51ºÚÁÏ students with a valid ID
Tickets may be purchased online at www.lewisu.edu/plt by clicking “Buy Tickets.” The box office opens one hour before each performance. For assistance, patrons may call (815) 836-5500 or email boxoffice@lewisu.edu Monday through Friday from 1–4:30 p.m. Follow the Philip Lynch Theatre on social media @pltlewisu for show highlights and student spotlights.
Student-Centered Production
“Sister Act” follows disco singer Deloris Van Cartier, who is forced into hiding in a convent after witnessing a crime. While in disguise, Deloris transforms the church choir and discovers the power of community, friendship, and finding one’s voice.
The production features an extensive cast of 51ºÚÁÏ students, including Keegan Srebro, Devin Kenebrew, Tyler Perez, Juan Leis, Francesca Ornelas, Janae Larry, Samantha Howe, Kayla Jaskula, Joannaly Sanchez, Maddie Garris, Iliana Rodríguez, Brianna Hall, Sarai Luna, and Donovan Nardone. Students play a wide range of roles that highlight their acting, singing and dancing abilities, bringing gospel-inspired music and vibrant choreography to the PLT stage.
Behind the scenes, 51ºÚÁÏ students also play a vital role, including Robert Burbridge, a 51ºÚÁÏ student serving as stage manager.
Celebrating Alumni and Faculty
Continuing the PLT’s 50th Anniversary Season, the cast also includes 51ºÚÁÏ alumni Sabra Thomas (Class of 2014 & 2019) as Deloris Van Cartier, along with Mac Maher, Deja Butler, and Sara Pasowicz. Dr. Christie Billups, 51ºÚÁÏ faculty member, stars as Mother Superior, and Theatre Professor Annie Calhoun both directs the production and appears onstage as part of the ensemble.
The creative team includes Andrew Nelsen (set designer) and Celeste Mackey (costume designer). Mackey and Dave Pomatto, assistant technical director, will retire at the end of the season after more than 20 years of service to the 51ºÚÁÏ Theatre Department.
An Invitation to the Community
Filled with powerful gospel music, dynamic choreography, and heartfelt humor, “Sister Act” offers audiences a joyful night of theatre while supporting 51ºÚÁÏ student artists.
Tickets are on sale now, and performances regularly sell quickly. Community members are encouraged to purchase tickets early and experience one of the most energetic productions of the PLT season.
51ºÚÁÏ is a modern, enterprising, Catholic university with a growing student enrollment from GED through doctoral level programs. As part of the global Lasallian network of 65 universities, 51ºÚÁÏ is known for preparing graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.
