After several weeks of sold-out performances and standing ovations, Cabrillo Stage’s production of Sister Act is heading into its final weekend.
The musical, which closes Aug. 2 at the Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus in Aptos, has earned rave reviews from audiences for its energetic performances, comedy and live orchestra.
Based on the hit 1992 film, Sister Act follows Deloris Van Cartier, a nightclub singer who is forced into witness protection after seeing a murder. Hidden in a convent, she shakes up the quiet religious community while finding an unexpected sense of belonging.
Leading the cast is Karriyma Pekary as Deloris, a role she describes as both glamorous and deeply human.
“She’s a boldly expressive force of nature wrapped in sequins, ambition, humor, and heart,” Pekary said. “Yet underneath all the flashy showmanship is a tender soul searching for validation and belonging.”
Pekary said she identifies with Deloris’ search for acceptance and especially enjoys performing “Raise Your Voice,” a song she said reveals the character’s heart as both an artist and mentor.
As the production has progressed, the cast has formed its own close-knit bond, she said.
“The bond that Deloris and her fellow nuns create is palpable,” Pekary said. “We have formed a true sisterhood, and I’m constantly inspired by the sharing of joy and love that we bring to each and every show.”
Jennifer Taylor Daniels stars as Mother Superior. A familiar face to Cabrillo Stage audiences from productions including Beehive, Scrooge and Hairspray, Daniels is also an educator in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. One of her former students, Carlos Joel Gonzales, appears alongside her in the cast.
Daniels said her years as a teacher have given her a “teacher voice” that comes in handy when leading a convent full of nuns on stage.
She describes Mother Superior as “a loving person, a bit afraid of the outside world, who seeks community.”
Daniels said she hopes audiences leave the theater thinking about how they can bring more joy into their own lives.
The remaining performances are July 31 and Aug. 1 at 7:30pm, with a final 2pm matinee on Aug. 2.
Performances are at the Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive on the Cabrillo College campus in Aptos. Tickets are available at cabrillostage.com or by calling the box office at 831-479-6154. The box office is open Thursday through Saturday from noon to 6pm and one hour before each performance.
