Executive Producers Walter Stearns and Eugene Dizon, Artistic Director Christopher Chase Carter and Managing Director Shane Murray-Corcoran announce casting for the first Mainstage production of the 2021-2022 Mercury Theater Chicago season, Sister Act, based on the 1992 film. Sister Act features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellne, and Douglas Carter Beane. This production is directed by Reneisha Jenkins, with music direction by Diana Lawrence. Sister Act runs November 5, 2021 – January 2, 2022 at Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue. The press opening is scheduled for Thursday, November 11 at 7:30 p.m.
“It is such a joy to be open and in production mode! This cast, led by Alexis J. Roston and Hollis Resnik, is the perfect group of people to bring this celebratory production to life. We look forward to welcoming audiences to the venue this fall with this incredible assemblage of artists,” comments Carter.
The cast of Sister Act includes Alexis J. Roston (Deloris), Hollis Resnik (Mother Superior), Gilbert Domally (Eddie), Leah Morrow (Mary Patrick/Ensemble), Denzel Tsopnang (Curtis), Ed Kross (Monsignor/Ensemble), Nicole Armold (Michelle/Ensemble), Ruben Castro (Pablo/Ensemble), Isabella Andrews (Mary Roberts), Austin Nelson Jr. (TJ/Ensemble), Marcus Jackson (Joey/Ensemble), Jenny Rudnick (Mary Lazarus/Ensemble), Jane Grebeck-Brewer (Mary Theresa/Ensemble), Nancy Wagner (Martin-of-tours/Ensemble), Aalon Smith (Tina/Ensemble), Yasir Muhammad (Ensemble), and Lydia Burke (Swing).
This feel-good musical comedy is based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet! Featuring original music by Tony and Oscar winner Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), this uplifting musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. 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 a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Sister Act is reason to rejoice!
The creative team includes: Reneisha Jenkins (Director), Diana Lawrence (Music Director), Christopher Chase Carter (Choreographer), Angela Weber Miller (Scenic Designer), Jackie Fox (Lighting Designer), Marquecia Jordan (Costume Designer), Carl Wahlstrom (Sound Designer), Max Maxim IV (Video Designer), Rueben Echoles (Wig Designer), Kristi J. Martens (Stage Manager), Daniel J. Hanson (Assistant Stage Manager) and Will Hughes (Technical Director).
Tickets for Sister Act, starting at $35, are on sale now at the box office, 3745 N. Southport Avenue in Chicago, www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com.
Recommended for ages 12 and up, but younger children are welcome with parents’ discretion.
Fact Sheet / Sister Act
Title: Sister Act
Music by: Alan Menken
Lyrics by: Glenn Slater
Book by: Bill and Cheri Steinkellne, and Douglas Carter Beane
Directed by: Reneisha Jenkins
Music Direction by: Diana Lawrence
Choreography by: Christopher Chase Carter
Featuring: Alexis J. Roston (Deloris), Hollis Resnik (Mother Superior), Gilbert Domally (Eddie), Leah Morrow (Mary Patrick/Ensemble), Denzel Tsopnang (Curtis), Ed Kross (Monsignor/Ensemble), Nicole Armold (Michelle/Ensemble), Ruben Castro (Pablo/Ensemble), Isabella Andrews (Mary Roberts), Austin Nelson Jr (TJ/Ensemble), Marcus Jackson (Joey/Ensemble), Jenny Rudnick (Mary Lazarus/Ensemble), Jane Grebeck-Brewer (Mary Theresa/Ensemble), Nancy Wagner (Martin-of-tours/Ensemble), Aalon Smith (Tina/Ensemble), Yasir Muhammad (Ensemble), and Lydia Burke (Swing).
Creative Team: Reneisha Jenkins (Director), Diana Lawrence (Music Director), Christopher Chase Carter (Choreographer), Angela Weber Miller (Scenic Designer), Jackie Fox (Lighting Designer), Marquecia Jordan (Costume Designer), Carl Wahlstrom (Sound Designer), Max Maxim IV (Video Designer), Rueben Echoles (Wig Designer), Kristi J. Martens (Stage Manager), Daniel J. Hanson (Assistant Stage Manager) and Will Hughes (Technical Director).
Dates: Previews: November 5 – 10, 2021
Regular Run: November 12, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Press Opening: Thursday, November 11 at 7:30 pm
Schedule:
- Wednesdays: 7:30 p.m.
- Thursdays: 7:30 p.m.
- Fridays: 7:30 p.m.
- Saturdays: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Sundays: 2 p.m.
Location: Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago
Tickets: $35 – $80
Box Office: 3745 N. Southport Avenue in Chicago, www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com
COVID PROTOCOL: For the safety and comfort of patrons and staff, Mercury Theater Chicago will be requiring audience members to provide proof of vaccination either with a physical copy of the vaccination card or on a smartphone. In addition to proof of vaccination, all guests 18 years and older must present a government-issued ID, such as driver's license or passport. Guests under 18 may also use a school photo ID. Children under 12 and people with a medical condition that prevent vaccination may provide proof of a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 6 hours of the performance start time. All patrons will have to wear a mask throughout the performance when not actively eating or drinking regardless of vaccination status.
The Venus Cabaret Theater, the intimate performance space at Mercury Theater Chicago is now open with The Dark Night Series. The signature programming from Sundays through Tuesdays includes cabaret performances by Luminaries on Sundays, Comedy hosted by actor, comedian and OUT Chicago Radio’s Scott Duff, and Open Mic Nights with Chuck Larkin plus artists produced Cabaret. The intimate venue features specialty cocktails by Beverage Director Sarah Wurz. Tickets to Venus Cabaret Theater produced shows start at $15 with a two-drink minimum and are available at MercuryTheaterChicago.com.
The rest of the previously announced Mercury Theater Chicago season follows. Season memberships and tickets to Sister Act and Women of Soul are currently available at www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com.
WOMEN OF SOUL
January 27, 2022 to March 6, 2022
Written and Directed by Daryl D. Brooks
A celebration of the most powerful women of soul to ever grace the stage. You’ll jump to your feet as we honor incredible women including Whitney Houston, Donna Summer, Diana Ross, Janet Jackson, Janis Joplin, and of course, you’ll get a little of Gladys, Dionne and Patti. Featuring powerhouse voices singing memorable music including “I Say a Little Prayer” “I Will Survive” and “Respect.” This concert recognizes the struggles and triumphs these women went through to reach the pinnacle of their success. This is a once in a lifetime musical masterpiece that you will want to experience over and over again!
PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT
June 10, 2022 to August 7, 2022
Book by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott
Based on the MGM Film
Directed and Choreographed by Artistic Director Christopher Chase Carter
Music Direction by Executive Producer Eugene Dizon
Featuring legendary cabaret chanteuse Honey West as Bernadette
Based on the smash-hit movie, Priscilla is the heartwarming, uplifting adventure of a glamorous Sydney-based performing trio who take their show to the middle of the Australian outback. They hop aboard a battered old bus (nicknamed Priscilla) searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they ever imagined. With a hit parade of dance floor favorites including “It's Raining Men," "I Will Survive," "Hot Stuff," "Boogie Wonderland," "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," and "I Love the Nightlife" this wildly fresh and funny musical is a journey to the heart of fabulous!
CLUE on stage
August 26, 2022 to October 30, 2022
Adapted from the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn and Sandy Rustin
Additional Materials by Hunter Foster and Eric Price
Directed by Executive Producer Walter Stearns
Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth – the butler, Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cult-fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out…WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT!
About Mercury Theater Chicago
The beautifully renovated Mercury Theater Chicago is in the heart of the Southport Corridor at 3745 North Southport Avenue, within a sophisticated neighborhood of restaurants and boutiques just steps from Wrigley Field. A delightful destination, Mercury Theater Chicago is a live-theater seating 280 people, adjoining Venus Cabaret Theater (seating 80).
The building that houses the Mercury opened in 1912 as a silent film nickelodeon, named The Blaine Theatre after actor and former Senator and Secretary of State James G. Blaine. The Blaine became obsolete when talking pictures became popular nationwide in 1928. The building served a variety of uses until 1994, when it was purchased by theater producer Michael Cullen and transformed into a live theatre, named the Mercury Theatre.
In 2010 the building was sold again and reopened as Mercury Theater Chicago under the direction of Walter Stearns, a veteran theater director and producer. Mercury Theater Chicago's second performance space, Venus Cabaret Theater, offers a unique intimate theatrical experience complemented by specialty cocktails. Mercury Theater Chicago is thrilled to be part of the city's vibrant theatre community, boasting record-setting long runs, employing hundreds of artists and recognized with dozens of award nominations. Mercury Theater Chicago's team includes Christopher Chase Carter (Artistic Director), Shane Murray-Corcoran (Managing Director), Walter Stearns and Eugene Dizon (Executive Producers) and Honey West (Cabaret Director). Visit www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com.