HMHS travels back to the 70s in spring production of “Sister Act”

Haddonfield Memorial High School will travel back to the 1970s with the spring production of “Sister Act,” featuring a cast, crew and orchestra of more than 80 students.

Haddonfield Memorial High School will travel back to the 1970s with the spring production of “Sister Act,” featuring a cast, crew and orchestra of more than 80 students.

“Sister Act” is a comedic musical revolving around a nightclub singer, Deloris Van Cartier, played by HMHS senior Riley Crompton, who witnesses a murder that forces her to seek refuge away from the public eye in a convent where she makes new friends and discovers how to embrace who she is along the way. During her time at the convent, she bonds with the nuns in unexpected and entertaining ways.

The characters in this year’s production offer an outlet for HMHS drama club students to peel back the layers to their roles and express their talent on stage. Each of the characters offers new perspectives on the human condition, and the roles depict an array of vices, many of which may be relatable to those in attendance, especially the main character, Dolores.

“She is very driven, but she doesn’t really know what to do with it. She just wants to be famous, and she just wants that to happen, and she is going to do anything to make that happen, but she’s not necessarily going about it the right way,” Crompton said.

In addition to the relatability of the character, Crompton expressed joy for portraying such a unique character. Upon discovering her role as the lead, Crompton was thrilled, calling it “the perfect storybook moment” for her.

This year’s production is expected to capture the attention of every age demographic with a modern twist on classic performance, incorporating a “very contemporary style,” including vocally, according to HMHS Director of Musical Theater Matthew DiDonato.

“We wanted to shake things up a little … when planning this year’s musical, which is what our students were hoping for,” DiDonato said. “The score sounds much more like popular music than traditional musical theater.”

In addition to the modern feel of the music, the planning and preparation process includes incorporating more technical effects, the specifics of which will be kept a surprise until the opening show.

“This show is much more technical than our previous shows, and that has required additional planning and preparation. There are many technical effects we are trying to incorporate into the show to enhance its appeal,” DiDonato said.

The students have been rehearsing and assisting in constructing the set six days per week to prepare for the debut on March 9. A few students even participated in sewing costumes, according to DiDonato.

“The plot is all about how music brings people together. It’s a really fun cast. We have bonded a lot, especially my nun sisters, we have become really close, and a special thank you to Tyler Mills, who is the music director,” Crompton said.

Bridget Finnegan, who plays Mother Superior, anticipates the performance will inspire others to walk away feeling empowered and confident in who they are.

“I think ‘Sister Act’ is a very good message of accepting others and just being yourself and letting others accept you for who you really are,” Finnegan said. “The lesson I take from it is not putting up walls and hiding yourself behind a mask of fame or popularity or someone who is fake and who isn’t you. Just be yourself and let others accept that.”

The audience should expect to be immersed in the plot line, while picking up some valuable and inspirational life lessons along the way. DiDonato encourages community members to come see the drama club express its creativity through the dynamic characters in HMHS’ reenactment of “Sister Act.”

“Ultimately, the show is about the power of human connection,” DiDonato said. “We hope that our audiences share our joy and think about the message of spreading love, kindness and acceptance.”

Performances take place on March 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and March 11 at 2 p.m. Admission is $10 for evening performances, and the matinee features a discounted admission of $7 per ticket or $25 for a family of four. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance in the main office during school hours.