Chester Gregory Returns to SISTER ACT For 2nd Year on Tour; New Casting Announced!

Producers Whoopi Goldberg, Stage Entertainment and Troika Entertainment have announced that the North American Tour of the five-time Tony Award nominated musical SISTER ACT will begin its second year of performances. The tour opened on October 2, 2012 at Toronto's Ed Mirvish Theatre and is still rocking the rafters across the country.

SISTER ACT begins year 2 with the following casting changes.

Chester Gregory returns to SISTER ACT to play Eddie Souther, the role he originated on Broadway. In addition to SISTER ACT on Broadway, Mr. Gregory's best known for his portrayal of Jimmy Earl in the National Tour of Dreamgirls, winning the NAACP Award. His other favorite credits include: The Jackie Wilson Story (Jeff, AUDELCO, BTAA and The Black Excellence Awards), Shrek (Donkey), Scapin, Hairspray the Movie, his one man show The Eve of Jackie, and performing for Michael Jackson.

Melvin Abston, currently on tour with SISTER ACT, steps into the role of Curtis Jackson. Melvin has been with the show since he originated the role of TJ in the pre-Broadway engagements. His other credits include Memphis (La Jolla Playhouse/5th Ave.Theatre) and The Lion King. His Film & TV credits include "H+," "Awake," "Raising Hope," "Touch, and a recurred role on "Grey's Anatomy" and "Weeds."

Ashley Moniz, also on tour with SISTER ACT, will now play the role of Sister Mary Robert. Ashley performed in the first National Tours of 9 to 5, Legally Blonde and High School Musical. Her other favorite credits include Hairspray (Amber), Beauty and the Beast (Belle), West Side Story (Maria) and Anything Goes (Bonnie).

SISTER ACT stars Ta'Rea Campbell as Deloris Van Cartier, Hollis Resnik as Mother Superior, Florrie Bagel as Mary Patrick, Diane J. Findlay as Mary Lazarus, Todd A. Horman as Joey, Ernie Pruneda as Pablo, Charles Barksdale as TJ, and Richard Pruitt as Monsignor O'Hara.

The company includes Gisela Adisa, Brian Calì, Karen Elliott, Jeremy Gaston, Jacqui Graziano, Erin Henry, Brian M. Love, Mary Jo McConnell, Michael Millan, Michelle Rombola, Dawn Rother, Mary Searcy, Jason Simon, Angie Marie Smith, Tricia Tanguy, Kelly E. Waters, Erin Wilson and Carla Woods.

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place cops are sure she won't be found - a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and an uptight Mother Superior. Using her fabulous disco-ness and killer voice to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church, but in doing so blows her cover. Soon it's nun-on-the-run time but she finds salvation in the heavenly power of her newly found sisterhood. Based on the mega-hit feature film, SISTER ACT features an original Alan Menken/Glenn Slater score with a vast inspiration of musical styles from Motown, soul and funk to great big disco anthems and Barry White inspired musical comedy.

Produced by Whoopi Goldberg, Stage Entertainment and Troika Entertainment, SISTER ACT received five 2011 Tony Award nominations: BEST MUSICAL, BEST ORIGINAL SCORE (Alan Menken (music)/ Glenn Slater (lyrics)), BEST BOOK OF A MUSICAL (Cheri & Bill Steinkellner and Douglas Carter Beane), BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL (Patina Miller) and BEST FEATURED ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL (Victoria Clark).

SISTER ACT features an original score with music by multi-Academy, Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winning composer Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and Enchanted), lyrics by Tony and Academy Award-nominee Glenn Slater (The Little Mermaid), and a book by multi-Emmy Award winners Cheri and Bill Steinkellner ("Cheers") with additional book material by Tony and Olivier Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane (Xanadu, The Little Dog Laughed). Directed on Broadway by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks (Guys and Dolls, A Funny Thing...Forum, Smokey Joe's Café), the production features choreography by Tony and Olivier Award nominee Anthony Van Laast (Mamma Mia, Bombay Dreams)and is based on the Touchstone Pictures motion picture Sister Act written by Joseph Howard.

SISTER ACT features scenery by Klara Zieglerova, costumes by Lez Brotherston, lighting by Natasha Katz, and sound by John Shivers. The music department includes Musical Supervisor Michael Kosarin, Music Director Brent-Alan Huffman, and orchestrations by Doug Besterman.

CAST BIOGRAPHIES:

TA'REA CAMPBELL (Deloris) is best known for starring as Nala in The Lion King on Broadway and national tour. Other Broadway credits include: Leap of Faith (original cast), The Book of Mormon (original cast), Aida (Aida standby) and Little Shop of Horrors. Selected regional include: Caroline,or Change(Baltimore Center Stage) and Gospel According to Fishman (Signature Theatre). Ms. Campbell was awarded the Gold Medal for Excellence in Acting after receiving her degree in Theater from Marymount Manhattan College.

Hollis Resnik (Mother Superior). National tours: Les Miz, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Thoroughly Modern Millie. Most recent: Angels in America (Court Theatre Chicago), Carlotta in Follies (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), Old Lady in Candide (Goodman Theatre and Shakespeare Theatre DC, Helen Hayes Award), Margaret Johnson in The Light in the Piazza (Arena Stage), Blanche in A Streetcar Named Desire (Cleveland Playhouse), Big/Little Edie in Grey Gardens (Philadelphia Theatre Co.). Recipient of Lunt Fontanne 2012 Fellowship, Helen Hayes Award, 10 Jeff Awards (Chicago). TV/Film: "Playboy Club,"Backdraft, "Cupid," The Untouchables. Proud member of AEA. hollisresnik.com.

Melvin Abston (Curtis Jackson). Credits include: Sister Act (Broadway, Pasadena Playhouse/ALLIANCE THEATRE-originated TJ), Memphis (La Jolla Playhouse/5th Ave. Theatre-Delray), and The Lion King national tour where he originated Banzai. Other theater credits include: The Goodman Theatre, The Arkansas Rep, Northlight Theatre, Second City (Hollywood), Looking glass Theatre and Royal George. Film/TV: Chastity Bites, Charlie Valentine, "H+: The Digital Series," "Chuck," "Awake," "Raising Hope," "Touch" and recurring roles on "Grey's Anatomy" and "Weeds." Proud AEA member. www.MelvinAbston.com.

Florrie Bagel (Mary Patrick) is truly tickled to be in this incredible company. Favorite Credits: Speech & Debate (Diwata), Jerry Springer: The Opera(Baby Jane), the Kennedy Center TYA tour of Nobody's Perfect, Two Gentlemen of Verona (a Rock Opera) (Lucetta).

Charles Barksdale (TJ) is a Texas native and is super stoked to make his national tour debut with the best nuns in the business! Off-Broadway: Fat Camp. Regional: Fat Camp Cleveland Playhouse Square), Ain't Misbehavin' (San Antonio Off Broadway Productions). Regional Tour: Don Giovanni (San Antonio Opera), Director, Musical Director, Choreographer, Voice teacher.www.charlesbarksdale.com.

Diane J. Findlay (Sister Mary Lazarus). More than 40 years in the business include: the 2011 Bay Area Theatre Critic Circle Award nomination (Mother Mucca) at A.C.T. and Vegas Female Performer of the Year (Hallelujah Hollywood). NY: Encores, Follies, 70 Girls 70, Flamingo Court, Minnie's Boys, Gay Divorce, Company. National/ International tours: Promises, Promises; 42nd Street. Regional: world premiere of I Love Lucy (Lucille Ball), Spit?re Grill(Hannah), Dear World (Constance), Mame (Mame Dennis), Funny Girl (Mrs. Brice), Annie (Miss Hannigan), Nunsense (Rev Mother), Full Monty(Jeanette). TV: "Search for Tomorrow" (Dr. Lambert), "Law & Order" (Mrs. Bickerson), pilot "Middle Ages" (Sara). Film: Producers, Gammera, Inside Llewyn Davis (Coen Brothers).

Chester Gregory (Eddie Souther) is thrilled to return to the role after originating Eddie Souther on Broadway. Broadway credits include: Sister Act,Hairspray (Seaweed), Cry-Baby (Dupree) and Tarzan (Terk). Other credits include National Tour of Dreamgirls as Jimmy Early (NAACP Award), The Jackie Wilson Story (Jeff, UDELCO, BTAA and Black Excellence Awards), Shrek (Donkey), Scapin, Hairspray the Movie, his one-man show The Eve of Jackie, and performing for Michael Jackson. Discover more at www.ChesterGregory.com twitter.com/ChesterGregory.

Todd A. Horman (Joey). Broadway: Priscilla, Urinetown. National Tours: Guys & Dolls, Urinetown, Victor/Victoria. Regional: Full Monty, Take Flight, Ragtime, 1776, Guys & Dolls. Workshops/Presentations: 110 in the Shade, Leap of Faith, On the 20th Century, Most Wanted and Nerds. Numerous voiceovers. Training: B.A. in Music Theater, Elon University. M.F.A. in Music Theater, UNLV.

Ashley Moniz (Mary Robert) is thrilled to be a "Nun on the Run!" First National Tours: 9 to 5, Legally Blonde, and High School Musical. Other favorite credits include Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Hairspray (Amber), and West Side Story (Maria). Proud Californian and UCIrvine Grad! www.ashleymoniz.com@ashmonymony.

Richard Pruitt (Monsignor O'Hara) Broadway: On The Waterfront, 42nd Street. Off-Broadway: Batboy The Musical, Wicked Philanthropy. Tours:White Christmas, Fiddler on the Roof. Richard can be heard on Encores' Pipe Dream album, and in the videogame, "Grand Theft Auto 4."

Ernie Pruneda (Pablo). Broadway: Sister Act. Regional and New York credits: Dear Edwina (Scott), LES MISERABLES (Marius), All Shook Up (Dean Hyde), White Christmas (Ezekiel), Buddy (Ritchie Valens), 42nd Street (Goodspeed), Millie and Peter Pan. Ernie is a graduate of Oklahoma City University.

Gisela Adisa (Michelle, Ensemble). Those years of Catholic school finally paid off! National: "Reading Rainbow" (Grace). NYC Theater: Marie Christine(lead), 3LD Center. Caroline, or Change (The Moon), Gallery Players. Futurology (lead), National Black Theater. International: Disney's Festival of the Lion King (Nala)-HKDL. Opening cast, Hairspray (Inez), RCCL. TV/Film: "Past East Tremont." Proud AEA and SAG-AFTRA member. B.A. in the Arts from Fordham(Drama, African Studies). www.iamgisela.com.

Brian Calì (Joey Finnochio, Ensemble). Broadway: Master Class. Regional: Yank! (dir. David Cromer), Master Class, Mass (Kennedy Center), National Pastime, A Man of No Importance (Keegan Theatre). Opera: The Merry Widow, Manon (L.A. Opera); BMCUA, MM-UCLA.

Karen Elliott (Mary Theresa, Ensemble). Broadway/NYC: LES MISERABLES (Madame Thenardier); LES MISERABLES-revival (Innkeeper's Wife);Foreverman (Mrs. Morgan); Hurricane (Margaret). LES MISERABLES (Nat'l Tour). Regional favorites: Kiss Me, Kate (Lily/Kate); Phantom (Carlotta); The Nerd(Clelia Waldgrave).www.karen-elliott.com.

Jeremy Gaston (Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of this fantastic show. National/International tours: Shrek (Donkey), Jesus Christ Superstar (Priest). Regional: Rent (Benny), Smokey Joe's Café (Victor), Aida (Mereb), Grease (Teen Angel/Johnny Casino), The Buddy Holly Story (Apollo Performer),Dreamgirls (Little Albert/Mr.Morgan), Raisin in the Sun (George Murchison). TV: Guest appearance on "Good Morning America." Jeremy holds a B.F.A. in Acting-Musical Theatre from Wright State University.

Jacqui Graziano (Ensemble) is thrilled to join the joyful cast of Sister Act on tour after performing in the Broadway company. Other highlights includeWicked-Chicago (original cast), tours of Wicked, Beauty & the Beast, Sunset Blvd and Cats. Regional work includes the world premiere of Carmen at LaJolla and Annie Get Your Gun (Ravinia, IL) with THE Patti LuPone. www.jacquig.com.

Erin Henry (Swing, Dance Captain). National Tours: Grease (Patty Simcox, ? rst nat'l starring Taylor Hicks), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Ethel Peas). Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, North Shore Music Theatre, Cape Playhouse, Westchester Broadway Theatre, North Carolina Theatre. Disney C.L., Tokyo Disney.

Brian M. Love (Cop, Ensemble) is elated and humbled to be joining this wonderful company of Sister Act. This makes the fourth Broadway National Tour for Brian, with the others being two tours of Jonathan Larson's Rent as Benny and the Gazelle Tour of Disney's The Lion King. Other credits include: Disney's The Lion King on Broadway, The Ten Commandments w/Val Kilmer, Kiss of the Spider Woman as Valentin, Ain't Misbehavin', Brother Can You Spare A Dime w/The Great Lakes Theatre Festival, The All Night Strut and Big River as Jim.

Mary Jo McConnell (Ensemble) would like to thank the Josephite and Dominican sisters for the inspiration. National Tours: All Shook Up, Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts), The Phantom of the Opera. Off-Broadway: Menopause the Musical (Soap Star, orig. cast), Hysterical Blindness. Numerous regional theater credits including Convenience (Liz, Geva Theatre, orig. cast album), and the original San Francisco productions of Sunday in the Park with George,Forbidden Broadway and Nunsense. TV: "One Life to Live," "Pan Am," "Masters of Sex" pilot. Film: Vent, Wilt. M.F.A. in acting from American Conservatory Theater. Former Captain U.S. Army Nurse Corps. Health & Nutrition Coach. www.mjmcconnell.com.

Michael Millan (Swing, Assistant Dance Captain) is so ecstatic to be making his tour debut with this amazing cast! Favorite previous credits includeBand Geeks (Kyle); Nobody Loves You (Jeff) at The Goodspeed Opera House; A Piece of My Heart at New York Stage and Film; and Pirates at The MUNY. A recent graduate of the Hartt School, Michael would like to give thanks, love and praise to his beautiful family and friends, the awesome creative team and Take 3 for all of their love and support.

Michelle Rombola (Waitress, Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her touring debut with Sister Act! Regional: Legally Blonde, The Little Mermaid(The Muny). Proud native of Buffalo, NY and graduate of CCM. Proud member of AEA.

Dawn Rother (Ensemble) is so honored to make her touring debut with this fabulous company! Favorite credits include Fiddler on the Roof, Hair, A Chorus Line, Dames at Sea, A New Brain, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and Trapped! Not Another Teen Musical. Dawn is a proud member of AEA and is a Syracuse University graduate. www.dawnrother.com.

MARY SEARCY (Tina, Ensemble) a native of Cleveland, Ohio is excited to be a part of this amazing cast. Her talents have showcased her voice in various cities around the world, including Rome, Vienna, St. Petersburg, Kusadasi, and Palma De Mallorga. Favorite Roles: Maureen (Rent), Paradice (Brooklyn), Fairy Godmother (Cinderella), Lorrell Robinson (Dreamgirls). Education: Morgan State University.

Jason Simon (Ernie, Ensemble). Credits include Nat'l Tours: The Producers (Max Bialystock), The Wizard of Oz (Cowardly Lion), Cats (Old Deuteronomy), The Scarlet Pimpernel (Robespierre/Prince/St. Cyr), Funny Girl (Mr. Keeney/Tenor/Mr. Rinaldi). Plus more than 50 N.Y. and regional shows. www.jasonEsimon.com.

Angie Marie Smith (Ensemble, Partial Swing) is thrilled to be a part of Sister Act! National tours: 25th anniversary of Cats (Grizabella), Thoroughly Modern Millie (u/s Millie). B.F.A. Millikin University. Thanks to Craig, Telsey, family and friends for believing in me. www.angiemariesmith.com.

Tricia Tanguy (Ensemble) feels truly blessed to be on tour with Sister Act! Off-Broadway: The Marvelous Wonderettes (Understudy and Dance Captain). National Tours: Joseph...Dreamcoat (Narrator), Cats (Grizabella), The Producers (Hold Me Touch Me, Ensemble). B.F.A. Musical Theater, Ithaca College. Cleveland native. www.triciatanguy.com. @TriciaTanguy.

Kelly E. Waters (Ensemble) is overjoyed to be a part of this sassy sisterhood! She received her B.A. in Musical Theatre from Susquehanna University. NYC credits: Carnegie Hall soloist, Lincoln Center's Broadway's Future concert; NYU Tisch's reading of JARS: The Musical; 2011 Scott Alan Masterclass. Nat'l tour: Phoenix Entertainment's Man of La Mancha. Regional favorites: The Full Monty (Vicki), Ragtime (Gateway Playhouse), Fireside Christmas (dir. Phillip Wm. McKinley), Seussical (Sour Kangaroo), Tapestry: The Music of Carole King, Grease (Rizzo). www.kellyewaters.com & www.wewillcutyou.com.

Erin Wilson (Mary Martin-of-Tours, Ensemble). Thrilled to be joining the Sister Act family! National tour: Wicked (ShenShen/Morrible US/original company member). New York: The Rockae-Prospect Theater Co. Regional: Grease (Cha Cha)-Sacramento Music Circus, North Carolina Theater. West Side Story, Singing In the Rain, Guys and Dolls-Tuacahn Center for the Arts. www.erinwilson.com. @erinwilson5.

Carla Woods (Michelle, Ensemble) is so blessed to be part of this amazing cast. She was seen in the Broadway National Tour of All Shook Up. Other favorites include Aida, Smokey Joe's Café, Merrily We Roll Along, Beehive and The World Goes Round. Carla received her B.F.A. in musical theater from the University of Cincinnati, College Conservatory of Music.

Dashaun Young (Ensemble) has performed on Broadway, London's West End, in tours, Vegas, film, television and on soundtracks.