Sister Mary Clarence is breathing new life not only into an unsuspecting convent, but also into the long-closed theatre at Plant City Entertainment.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic Plant City’s own community theatre has turned off the spotlight for more than a year and a half. Now the organization is ready to bring the community back and it has a few new surprises for its patrons.
“We were working on so many shows last year here at the theatre and when COVID came at first the thought was that we would be pushing things off,” Greg Summerall, co-director, said. “Of course it didn’t take very long for us to realize we were going to have to cancel instead. Sister Act was something we had lined up for November, but when in January it started to look like we might be safe to open by summer, we decided it would be a great reopening for the theatre.”
Summerall said that while the building was closed to the public the members of PCE remained busy refurbishing the lobby and transforming the space for the first time in decades.
Now when patrons walk through the door they’ll be staring at a brand new lobby and will find upgrades throughout the building as well.
Another new addition is that PCE will now be providing beer and wine for donation for those who want to enjoy refreshments with the show.
Sister Act is the perfect opening musical for the organization, according to Summerall, because it’s well known, speaks to a diverse audience and adds heart and levity to the stage. A bit different from the film, the show is set in the late 70s and the music is written by Alan Menken with lyrics by Glen Slater. It was nominated for five Tonys, including Best Musical, and when you take in the performance, it’s not very hard to see why.
The rest of the story mirrors the film so many adore. Deloris Van Cartier, a disco diva, witnesses a murder and is put in protective custody in the one place the police are certain she won’t be found: a convent.
Donning her habit she becomes Sister Mary Clarence and begins a strange life with The Holy Order of the Little Sisters of Our Mother of Perpetual Faith. When she realizes the choir is in desperate need of some divine intervention she uses her experience in disco to inspire them to greatness.
However, their rising fame blows her cover and soon the gang is tracking Cartier down. Little did they know that in her convent Cartier has found a new sisterhood.
The songs may be different than the film, but in many ways they are equally, if not more, impactful as the lyrics add further depth to the scenes. The dancing is outrageous and the story itself is moving.
It was that level of heartfelt fun that put Sister Act firmly in the opening slot for the theatre. After all, 2020 would have been the organization’s 40th anniversary. Later this year the group will more than likely have an event in honor of the missed anniversary, but for now there will be a special on opening night featuring gourmet wine and cheese prior to the show. Tickets are two for $30 and can be purchased online, at Shear Expressions Hair Salon, 1514 S. Alexander St., or at the door as supplies last.
“This show is so funny and fast, it’s really amazing and I think people are going to love it,” Michael Mercer, co-director, said. “We are so exited to be back and with this show in particular there is a mix of new faces as well as some of the actors that have been with us for many wonderful performances. We will definitely surprise people when they come in. We want to welcome people that have not been here before and welcome back people that have always supported us. We’re right here in Plant City, we’re not that far out and I think if people take the time to come they are really going to love it.”
Karen Griggsby, producer/liaison, said the quality that emanates from the cast is sure to blow people away. She said this cast owns the stage and people will be surprised who ends up bringing the laughs if they’ve only ever seen the movie.
She said the show is an event the entire family would enjoy and that the lineup for the rest of the season is one the community will be proud of. As a nonprofit the theatre relies heavily on community support to remain open and Griggsby said she hopes that with the fresh start they have after being closed for so long will come a new wave of regular attendees to the shows. PCE does everything from straight plays to musicals and its stage is rarely dark. You can keep up-to-date with the schedule by following PCE on social media or by visiting pceshows.com.
“We are here for the community and we would love for the entire community to come out and support this wonderful organization,” Griggsby said. “We want people to be excited to come and talk about it and get their friends to come. With this play, you’re going to be blown away. I think people will just say, ‘Wow.’”
If you go
What: Sister Act The Musical
When: July 16, 17, 23,24, 30, 31 at 8 p.m. and July 18, 25 and Aug. 1 at 2 p.m. Matinee.
Where: Plant City Entertainment, 101. N. Thomas St.
Tickets: Purchase online at pceshows.com. Adults $20, Senior $18, Students $18, P.C.E. Members $15 (only available in advance at Shear Expressions Hair Salon and at the door).
For more information: Visit pceshows.com.