Habit forming

After playing bit parts in musicals, Hannah Aitken lands the lead role of Deloris in Montague Regional High School’s production of ‘Sister Act’, which hits the school’s stage on May 9- 11

Hannah Aitken is hooked on theatre.

And, after playing minor characters in Montague Regional High School (MRHS) musicals and local dinner theatre shows, she longed for a role she could really sink her teeth into.

“Performing as the (bad) cop in ‘Footloose’ made me realize that I could really do this. And it’s become an addiction,” says the Grade 12 student, whose acting credits also include Aquata in “Little Mermaid”.

So when the 18-year-old Summerville, P.E.I., resident landed the role of Deloris in the MRHS production of “Sister Act” this spring, she was thrilled.

“It’s my first lead role. It’s (challenging because) you actually have to know your stuff. You can’t hide behind anybody,” says Aitken, one of the students in the MRHS production hitting the school stage on May 9, 10 and 11, 7 p.m.

In the musical, Deloris is an aspiring nightclub singer who witnesses a murder and ends up hiding undercover in a convent. Actress Whoopee Goldberg is well known for her comic portrayal of the role in the 1992 musical comedy film of the same name.

Playing this larger-than-life character comes with some challenges.

“Deloris is a really big person with a really big attitude. She makes really big gestures and is a loud mouth. And I’m not really like that. I’m actually shy, so I’ve had to break out of my shell to become this character.”

Although she gives people attitude, Deloris has to be quiet and reflective when she is forced to take on the role of a nun, so her character goes on an inner journey during the course of the show.

“She has to blend in, at least a little,” says Aitken, who also

dances and sings several songs in the U.S.-penned show that features the music of composer Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater.

Artistic director Kristena MacCormack is impressed with the work of this young actress. From her audition for “Footloose” to her audition for “Sister Act” she’s seen “a big difference.”

“Hannah has grown in confidence and in skill level. And I figured that if she could grow that much in a short time, I could pull some more stuff out of her, playing Deloris.

“I also couldn’t think of anyone better to play this character,” says MacCormack.

SALLY COLE/THE GUARDIAN Tina (Samantha Martell), left, Deloris (Hannah Aitken) and Michelle (Miranda Ings) appear in a rehearsal scene for “Sister Act”. The show will be presented at Montague Regional High School on May 9, 10 and 11. Showtime is 7 p.m.

SALLY COLE/THE GUARDIAN Student actors listen to artistic director Kristena McCormack, right. during a rehearsal for “Sister Act”. From left are Hannah Aitken and Faith Best.