If you are in the mood for a bit of divine inspiration — offset by disco, pop, gospel and a lot of laughter — you can find it at Arts Express Theatre’s production of “Sister Act: The Musical!”
It debuts at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1 at Arts Express Theatre at Park Place, 5870 E. Broadway, Park Place #214.
The production offers not only a comedic blast from the past for those who enjoyed the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, but also a timely musical celebration for all ages, according to director Michael Stewart.
He emphasized that the show “reflects that faith can flourish in friendship and harmony often grows from difference” which is appealing to those of every religion — and to those who are not religious at all.
“This story shows that even for people who think they are vastly different in what they believe in life, you can find connection and find joy in using your voice to express yourselves in a group. I didn’t realize that when I took this on, but that is the most powerful part for me,” Stewart said. “Everyone who sees this will get a sense of joy and fun and excitement ... wherever you are on the spectrum of your spiritual journey, there is something about this that transcends that: It is all about people and their connections to each other.”
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He credits the exceptionally talented cast for bringing star power to the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a nightclub singer chasing stardom. After witnessing a murder by her gangster boyfriend, Van Cartier hides out in a convent, which changes the course of her life and the lives of the nuns she directs in the choir.
“Charlette Chaney is phenomenal as Deloris. It was a journey to get her, but she is amazing. We have lots of faces that are new to Arts Express as well as our regular talent that our audiences love seeing and we think everyone will really enjoy this,” said Stewart.
Chaney, whose musical résumé includes the Phoenix Mass Choir and nearly 10 years of touring throughout Southeast Asia and the Middle East, is excited to try acting for the first time.
“I have never done theater. I have sang all my life, but learning to dance and sing and act all at one time is different, so I am very excited, yet nervous. But the people all around me are so helpful and kind that they have made it a little easier, and I feel like the role of Deloris is in my veins because I am a choir director in real life,” Chaney said.
The character resonated with Chaney, who understands the pursuit of stardom but traditionally considered herself a back-up singer, on other levels as well.
“I feel that God pushes us to places we don’t think we need to be and in that place, we often find that is what we needed all along to become a genuine, whole person,” Chaney said.
Lucy Kellett will also make her Arts Express debut, as Mother Superior. Inspired by productions of “Ragtime” and “Side Show,” Kellet decided to audition for “Sister Act” after many years away from musical theater. She is gratified to be playing Mother Superior; it is her first “more mature” role and she has discovered that “being considered for older roles is much juicier.”
She is also thrilled to be part of an ensemble again and said the cast and crew have been very welcoming as they work to bring the high-energy show to the stage.
“It is a hilarious show. What is funnier than nuns dancing around and singing and being inappropriate for nuns? I am the part that is not funny, but everything around me is and maybe that makes me funny: I am so not funny that it is funny. ... I think people will be laughing the entire show,” Kellett said.
Kellett is also inspired by Arts Express Theatre’s commitment to bringing musical theater to Tucsonans. The nonprofit is on a mission to build character, strengthen community and celebrate culture through musical theatre. It serves more than 25,000 annually through a continuum of introductory and advanced programs and audience experiences, including summer camps in musical theatre for students in grades four through 12. “Sister Act: The Musical!” is one of seven remaining productions for the 2025-2026 season, which will also feature classics such as “The Rocky Horror Show” and “Evita.”
“It is very accessible for a theater. Sometimes theater tickets are really expensive and this is more accessible while still having high-quality performances,” said Kellett.
She also praises the theater’s non-traditional, table/cabaret-style seating.
“It adds more intimacy to their productions as well as some privacy in which to enjoy them,” she said.
