The Portledge Upper School spring musical Sister Act was presented this past April… and wow! This team showed everyone what they were made of.  

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The rehearsals for Sister Act began on January 13th and continued through closing night on April 27th.  The cast stayed at school from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. every day, learning choreography with Ms. Balan, music with Mr. Reese, and blocking for scenes with Mr. Dula. With focus and practice, these rehearsals were thorough and prepared the actors for their opening night.  For these performers, the show is more than just the final product. Attending rehearsals and working with the cast is a fulfilling experience in which each actor grows individually, whether in confidence, emotional intelligence, or learning some cool new dance moves! Additionally, being a part of the musical is a kind and accepting community where new and returning students can meet and connect with like-minded peers. This cast has grown into a family and has truly spread the Love Around! 

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The weekend of the show was eventful and action-packed. Of 5 performances, the cast and crew kept improving with every performance. The process of the show weekend is so important because it shows that everyone is still improving and learning how to make the show even better. This also highlights the beauty of live performance. The show will always be different!

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Not only did the process produce a successful show, but it also produced genuine, heartfelt relationships between cast and crew members. Sister Act was such an opportunity to create friendships, especially with the themes of love and companionship between rehearsals every day together, chatting backstage, and performing with one another; it was almost impossible for the cast not to become like family to one another. Although the rehearsal process is challenging and demanding, cast members develop inside jokes and nicknames within a matter of days. Pre-show huddles, especially, brought the cast together and gave us more than just a show, but a theatre full of well. A special connection forms when a group joins to put on a show. It’s not just the group numbers and bright lights but the emotional vulnerability and shared joy that really brought everyone together. As Mother Superior says, “Nothing matters more than love.”