FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 9, 2021


SISTER ACT
the hit musical for the holidays
MUST CLOSE January 2, 2022

Kelvin Roston Jr. gets into the holiday habit with
Alexis J. Roston and the acclaimed cast of Sister Act
for the final week of performances, December 29 – January 2


Chicago –Disco diva Deloris Cartier and the Sisters of Our Mother of Perpetual Faith are getting into the Christmas habit at Mercury Theater Chicago with the final weeks of performances of the hit musical Sister Act. The critically acclaimed production, perfect for the whole family, must close on January 2, 2022, at Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue.

Kelvin Roston Jr, fresh off his performance in the title role in Othello at Court Theatre, will join his wife Alexis J. Roston (Deloris) and the entire Sister Act company for the final week of the run, December 29 – January 2. Kelvin will play the role of Curtis Jackson for the final four performances.

Sister Act, based on the 1992 film, 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 and choreography by Artistic Director Christopher Chase Carter.

This feel-good musical comedy is based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet! Set during the holiday season, the production is perfect for all ages. 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 on Christmas Day, 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.

The cast of Sister Act also includes Jane Grebeck-Brewer (Mother Superior), Gilbert Domally (Eddie), Leah Morrow (Mary Patrick/Ensemble), Denzel Tsopnang (Curtis, through December 26), 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), Nicole Cready (Mary Theresa/Ensemble), Nancy Wagner (Martin-of-tours/Ensemble), Aalon Smith (Tina/Ensemble), Yasir Muhammad (Ensemble), and Lydia Burke (Swing).

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 Maxin IV (Video Designer), Rueben Echoles (Wig Designer), Kristi J. Martens (Stage Manager), Daniel J. Hanson (Assistant Stage Manager), Will Hughes (Technical Director), and Keely Vasquez (Casting Associate).

Tickets for Sister Act, starting at $35, are on sale now at the box office, 3745 N. Southport Avenue in Chicago, http://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), Jane Grebeck-Brewer (Mother Superior), Gilbert Domally (Eddie), Leah Morrow (Mary Patrick/Ensemble), Denzel Tsopnang (Curtis through December 26), 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), Nicole Cready (Mary Theresa/Ensemble), Nancy Wagner (Martin-of tours/Ensemble), Aalon Smith (Tina/Ensemble), Yasir Muhammad (Ensemble), and Lydia Burke (Swing). Kelvin Roston Jr. will join the cast in the role of Curtis beginning December 29, 2021.

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 Maxin IV (Video Designer), Rueben Echoles (Wig Designer), Kristi J. Martens (Stage Manager), Daniel J. Hanson (Assistant Stage Manager), Will Hughes (Technical Director) and Keely Vasquez (Casting Associate).

Dates: Playing through January 2, 2022

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 http://www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com.

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 http://www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com

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