"Sister Act" by City Youth Theater Opens This Weekend

City Youth Theater (CYT) is back treading the boards with a delightful production of “Sister Act A Divine Musical Comedy.” The large cast is under the direction of Martin Scott Marchitto, with musical direction by Angela Jackson. Executive director/producer is CYT founder Shelby Davis.

The director believes that the power of theater can bring people together. “After spending a few hours laughing at the folly of opposite types being pushed together in an unusual situation, we are reminded of a very important lesson. We all share the same emotions and desire personal connections that validate our feelings.”

“If you only see one Catholic mass this season, let it be this one.”

“Sister Act” tells the story of what happens when disco singer Deloris Van Cartier is placed in protective custody in a dying convent, and her lifestyle comes face-to-face with the traditions of the church. The musical features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and a book by Bill Steinkellner and Cheri Steinkellner with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane. It is based on the beloved 1992 film.

Brittany Fitzpatrick gives a spectacular performance as Deloris/Sr. Mary Clarence. What a magnificent singing voice she has! I could not take my eyes off of her every move. Fitzpatrick appeared as Mary in “JCS,” Mama Euralie in “Once on this Island,” and was part of the ensemble for “Dreamgirls” and “Memphis.”

Mother Superior, who the director indicates “learns that miracles can happen if you are open minded,” is embodied by Susan Smith of Middletown in her first CYT show. She most effectively acts the arc of her character and sings wonderfully. Smith works as an audiobook narrator/voiceover artist and has performed with many theater companies.

The adorable nuns include Isabella Andrade (Mary Martin of Tours,) Nailah Walker (Sr. Mary Rose/Reporter,) Alexandria Richard (Sr. Mary Sue,) ninth grade student Tianna Campbell-Williams (Sr. Mary Fitzgerald,) Georgia Davis (Sr. Mary Thelma Lou in her first time onstage,) Darlene Fernandez (Sr. Mary Elizabeth,) Tierra Dozier-Tores (Sr. Mary Lynn) and Emily Trudeau (Sr. Mary Theresa.) I loved “Raise Your Voice” and “Take Me to Heaven” performed by a stage full of nuns.

Michelle Rothersford Johnston makes a strong debut with CYT in the fun role of Sr. Mary Lazarus. Johnston, who is the Director of Donor Relations at Southern CT State University by day, played Ursula in “The Little Mermaid” with Artful Living. There is also Lisa Ward as Sr. Mary Ann, Michelle and a hooker. Emily Scheuch plays both Sr. Mary Frederick and a waitress in the bar. Sophia Sokoloski plays both Tina and a hooker

Selena Soto, who is pursuing her Masters degree in counseling, plays Sr. Mary Robert “The Life I Never Led”) and will be in the ensemble for the Sunday matinee.

The Labbe family is very much involved in this production. Mikayla Labbe, who was a student and teacher at Shakesperience in Waterbury, plays Sr. Mary Richard, but will step up to play the young Sr. Mary Robert at the Sunday matinee. She is wonderful in this featured role. Melissa Labbe, who has directed some past CYT shows, plays the cheerful Sr. Mary Patrick. Todd Labbe, who was part of “A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream,” stands out as Joey. Grace Labbe, who participated in many past CYT productions, now plays Sr. Mary Benjamin and Hope Labbe is part of the children’s chorus.

The children’s choir is also composed of Annora Trudeau and Kaidence Wallace (“Once on this Island.”)

Robert Santoli makes his Waterbury debut in the role of gangster Curtis Jackson and is convincing. Since hitting Connecticut stage in 2019, he played Uncle Fester in Landmark’s “The Addams Family.”

The brave guys who came out to be part of the production just about steal the show as Curtis’ goons. Ethan Soto, who has played Mr. Mushnick in “Little Shop of Horrors,” steps up to play Eddie. Luis Ramos is a delight in the bilingual Pablo. “Lady in the Long Black Dress” is a riot.

Nick Bates, a junior at WAMS, plays TJ, the young nephew of Joey. Bates’ credits include “The Addams Family,” “Midsummer,” “Legally Blonde,” and “Snow White” at Seven Angels.

Eric Scheuch, a scientist, educator, and actor from New Haven tackles the leading role of Eddie, the cop who attempts to hide Deloris and must endure two tear-away costume changes. George Mctyre, with a long list of theatrical credits, portrays Monsignor O’Hara with a twinkle in his eye.

David Nunner of Naugatuck, the president of Connecticut Theatre Company in New Britain, makes his mark when he comes on briefly as a drag queen in his first appearance with CYT.

The fun choreography by Kara Parker is executed very well by the dancers in the cast, especially the three guys. The chases and “Sunday Morning Fever” looked great. Isabella Andrade and the lithe Nick Bates are the dance captains.

Thom Gordon collected a bunch of black habits for the nuns that fill the stage and are quite authentic. Millie Soto is in charge of props. Set Designer Mark Rees was building the set at the performance space during the rehearsal that I attended, so I did not get to see it. Rees’ work will surely be heavenly.

Buy your tickets online now at Our.show/cytsisteract

PRICING

ADULTS: $20.00
YOUTH: $15.00

RUNNING TIME

2 hour 15min Intermission

In 2021, CYT produced “Bringing Back Broadway,” “All Together Now!,” and “Clue.” Last year, they performed “City Arts Festival 23,” “Once on this Island,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and “A Very Merry Christmas Concert.” Future planned shows “tick, tick…Boom,” and “The Amazing Lemonade Girl.”

Nancy Sasso Janis, writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, posts well over 100 reviews each year. In 2016, her membership in the Connecticut Critics Circle began and her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted not only in the Naugatuck Patch but also on the Patch sites closest to the venue. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.