‘Sister Act’ coming to Lorain County

Show will have its own spin, different from original film

Sandstone Summer Theatre will perform “Sister Act” 8 p.m., July 13-15, at Amherst Marion L. Steele High School, 450 Washington St. in Amherst.

The story of a worldly singer who witnesses a mob crime, and is hidden by the police as a nun in a traditional convent where she has trouble fitting in, has been slightly changed.

“The setting of the story takes place around 1977-1978 in Philadelphia instead of in 1992, like the Whoopi Goldberg film,” said Justin Bilewicz, producer of the show.

The performance also features a Latina as lead actress, who is played by 20-year-old Angela Andujar, of Lorain.

“Even though the lead actress is not African American, it still shows the importance of women in color and the empowerment of women,” Bilewicz said.

The crew chose “Sister Act” because it was a newer musical.

“We wanted to do it because it’s a fun show and people typically enjoy when nuns are doing something,” Bilewicz said. “Plus, it really does show a strong female bond.”

In the past, the theatre has produced “Carrie The Musical,” “Legally Blonde The Musical” and “Peter Pan Jr.”

“Even though the lead actress is not African American, it still shows the importance of women in color and the empowerment of women.” — Justin Bilewicz, producer

Sandstone raises money for all shows and gets help from the Amherst Summer Recreation Program as well as various sponsors including the Women’s League of Amherst.

Every year, the community theatre partners with a local organization that helps people in the county.

“We have once again partnered with Genesis House for the 2017 summer season,” Bilewicz said.

It will collect items from a wish list it has posted on its website, on its production weeks and on all of its show nights, he said.

Bilewicz is anticipating the audience’s reaction to the remake of the film.

“We are excited to see how the audience will get to watch a different idea of ‘Sister Act’ because of the small changes we made to the popular film,” he said.

For more information on the show, Genesis House and tickets, visit www.sandstonesummertheatre.org.

Sandstone Summer Theatre, established in 1969, is the oldest community theatre in Lorain County and currently is celebrating 48 years of community musical theatre.

KHADIJA SMITH — THE MORNING JOURNAL Sandstone Summer Theatre will be performing “Sister Act” 8 p.m. July 13-15 at Amherst Marion L. Steele High School, 450 Washington St., in Amherst. The rehearsal was at the high school on July 5.