"Sister Act" a Chance to Shine for Talented Local Group

Fox Country Players' "Sister Act" director Anna Ahonen doesn't judge a book by its cover, at least not in the audition room. She listens with her heart , eyes closed, avoiding making snap judgements about who to cast in her shows. She credits a past experience being "typecast" by a theatre teacher who barely knew her or her level of talent, with helping to form this open style of casting. She doesn't look up during the singing portion of the audition at all. She asks herself, "Does it move me to visualize them as a character in the production? Are they 'selling it', giving it all? Sort of BLIND auditions for The Voice, only I started it 32 years before the TV concept."

Over forty years of directing experience has taught Ms. Ahonen that talent comes in all shapes, sizes and abilities. She enjoys fitting all the different characters together, finding the right group of performers ready to have fun and watching them blossom as the show takes form. Finding that perfect cast is usually a mixture of good marketing, flexibility, solid planning and blind luck. This cast features 36 talented actors from around the Chicagoland area, some seasoned veterans to Fox Country Players, and some who will make their stage debut.

One particularly lucky find for this show came in the form of Chicago resident Qiana McNary, who plays the plucky nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier, a star-to-be yearning for her big chance. A classically-trained opera singer who studied music at Ohio Wesleyan University and in Italy, Ms. McNary makes the trek out to rehearsal in Sugar Grove because Deloris is a dream role for her. She explains, "It's a dream come true! While I've had the pleasure of being a strong supporting character in several performances, this is the first time I'm the main character. Additionally it's a celebration for curvy vocal divas like myself to break the barrier of the stereotypical physical appearance of a character and be recognized for outstanding vocal ability and acting talent."

Deloris witnesses a crime and has to go into hiding somewhere no one would ever think to look for her. When she finds herself in a convent, she doesn't quite fit the mold. A strong theme for the show is in-fact, following your heart despite perhaps not exactly knowing where that might lead you. Deloris believes her rightful place is on the stage. Ms. McNary had no trouble finding truth in acting that aspect of the role. Between performing with her band The McNary Experience at The House of Blues recently, recording a Christmas album and preparing for the opera "Harriet Tubman: Road to Freedom" with The South Shore Opera Company, it's a wonder she has time to even rehearse! But it's all worth it and like Deloris she says, "I know I was born to sing and perform. Every time I step on stage I make sure to leave my audience with an unforgettable and memorable performance."

The bond of sisterhood and the power of friendship is beautifully portrayed by all the actors in Sister Act. "My absolute favorite part of being in 'Sister Act' is singing with the cast. When we sing our numbers, there's this explosive energy that comes through our voices and brings the song to life." says McNary. She hopes people truly connect with each character in the story. "The main takeaway is that sisterhood comes in various forms. When you befriend someone who truly understands you and will be by your side no matter the circumstances, they are special and should hold a significant place in your heart."

Director Ahonen loves musicals and can't wait for the performances to begin. That's her favorite part, not because her work is complete, but because she gets to watch the people she cast shine and bring those characters to life. "I love watching and listening to the audience and hope they are loving the characters as much as I do." She hopes the audience will get caught up in the relationships developing before their eyes and find meaning in their stories. "This one has such a madcap mix of characters. They are funny, sarcastic, bullish, and honest. This is the kind of show that makes you laugh and tap your toes even if you are unfamiliar with the songs." The Broadway shows' music was written by Tony and Oscar winning composer Alan Menken and was nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Musical. This is the one of the first regional or community theatre productions of Sister Act to be produced in the Chicagoland area.

But you will only get three chances to enjoy "Sister Act", coming soon to the Waubonsee Community College Auditorium, Sugar Grove Campus, Route 47 and Waubonsee Drive. Performances are scheduled for Friday October 14th, Saturday October 15th at 7pm and Sunday October 16th at 2pm! Tickets are available through the college website at www.waubonseetickets.com, by emailing communityed@waubonsee.edu or by calling the WCC Community Education office at 630-466-2360. Tickets are $15 and $20.