Habit Forming: Whoopi Goldberg to Produce London Premiere of Sister Act
By Andrew Gans
13 Nov 2008
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Whoopi Goldberg
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| photo by Timothy White | Whoopi Goldberg and Stage Entertainment will produce the London premiere of Sister Act, the new musical comedy based on the hit film of the same name. Previews will begin May 6, 2009, at the London Palladium with an official opening June 2.
Sister Act features a score by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater. The book was penned by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner ("Cheers"). Peter Schneider will direct a cast to be announced in 2009.
In a statement Goldberg, who starred in the film version of "Sister Act," said, "If you are fortunate enough to be a part of something wonderful, I feel it's important to pass the baton. The best way for me to be a part of this new incarnation of Sister Act is to make sure everyone knows it's happening. The stage version of the show is fresh and new and I'm beyond thrilled to be part of it."
Joop Van Den Ende, president of the supervisory board of Stage Entertainment, added, "I am delighted to be working with Whoopi to bring Sister Act to the historic London Palladium. I have long admired her work and, as a theatrical producer, have wanted to bring Deloris, one of her classic roles, to the stage for a long, long time. With the whole Stage Entertainment group focused on next summer's opening, we cannot wait to get working with our world class creative team on this unique and exciting project."
Sister Act, according to press notes, is described as such: "When 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 found - a convent! Disguised as a nun she quickly finds fans amongst her fellow 'sisters' but makes the wrong impression on the convent's strict Mother Superior. When she turns her attention to the convent's off-key choir, helping the nuns to find their true voices and breathing new life into the rundown neighbourhood, her cover could be blown for good. With the gang giving chase, is time running out for Deloris? Or have they underestimated the power of her new found Sisterhood?"
The creative team will also include musical supervisor Michael Kosarin, choreographer Anthony Van Laast, set designer Klara Zieglerova, costume designer Lez Brotherston, sound designer Mick Potter, lighting designer Natasha Katz and musical director Nick Skilbeck.
Sister Act — based on the 1992 movie that cast Goldberg in the role of the singer-turned-sister — has played engagements at the Pasadena Playhouse and Atlanta's Alliance Theatre.
Show times will be Monday-Saturday at 7:30 PM with matinees Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 PM.
The London Palladium is located in London on Argyll Street. Tickets for the production, which is booking through Feb. 13, 2010, will be available by calling 0844 412 2704 or by visiting
www.sisteractthemusical.com.
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