"SISTER ACT" IS HEAVENLY FUN

If you're unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the definitely worst time and witness a murder, there may not be a good spot to hide.  Just ask that wannabe cabaret lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier (Kerissa Arrington) who finds herself in just that pickle and predicament.  Now her boyfriend's gang is after her and the best place for the police to hide her is just what William Shakespeare might have suggested. Deloris is told to "get thee to a nunnery."

For three fabulous performances, Friday, March 6 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 7 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., the Palace Theater in Waterbury will have the rosary beads ready for their newest novitiate as "Sister Act" comes to town.  Just what Mother Superior (Maggie Clennon Reberg) thinks of her latest charge is immediately evident.  She's suspicious.

At the Holy Order of the Little Sisters of Our Mother of Perpetual Faith, Deloris has become Sister Mary Clarence and reluctantly gives up her vices like smoking, drinking, dancing and suggestive clothing.  With the help of perky and peppy Sister Mary Patrick (Sarah Michelle Cue), Deloris gets indoctrinated into her new life and uses her previous life as a disco singer to inject the order's anemic sounding choir with new vigor and vitality.

This lively musical written by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner and Douglas Carter Beane, with lyrics by Glenn Slater and music by Alan Menken is based on the hit 1992 film comedy of the same name. Of course, eventually the gang traces Deloris down and invades her solemn hiding place.  Glorious songs like "Take Me to Heaven," "Spread the Love Around" and "Raise Your Voice" send melodies heavenward.

For tickets ($45-65), call the Palace Theater, 100 East Main Street, Waterbury at 203-346-2000 or online at www.palacetheaterct.com.

Before the  Friday, March 6, evening performance, Riverhouse Catering will prepare a 6 p.m. pre-fixe, four-course dinner in the Palace’s Poli Club, located on the mezzanine level of the theater. Dinner is $62.50 per person, which includes tax, service fees, coffee, and tea. A cash bar is also available and the menu can be viewed in advance at www.palacetheaterct.org/dining. Seating is limited and reservations can be made when purchasing tickets through the Box Office.

Let Deloris and the Good Sisters entertain you with their angelic voices as chaos invades the religious order  and justice is at stake.  Hear the rafters ring with joy.