Photo Flash: First Look at SISTER ACT at Berkeley Playhouse

Berkeley Playhouse opens their 10th season of professional theater for family audiences with the East Bay premiere of Alan Menken's heavenly musical comedy, Sister Act. Based on the hit 1992 film, audiences will be praising the toe-tapping, gospel infused score from Tony and eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, The Little Mermaid). BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

When downtown disco diva Dolores Van Cartier witnesses a crime, she's placed into protective custody in the one place she's sure not to be found - a convent! Forced to trade in her nighttime habit of nightclubbing and disco dancing for a nun's habit, Dolores finds newfound self-worth, confidence, and a community she never expected to be a part of, as she leads her fellow Sisters to heavenly new heights, and transforms their church into a revitalized home of celebration, song, and community spirit.

Filled with powerful music, outrageous choreography, and a moving story of unlikely friendships, Sister Act will Raise the Roof of the historic Julia Morgantheater, which itself was originally built in 1910 as a community church.

Sister Act features a score by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Sater, and a book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner with additional material by Douglas Carter Beane. Berkeley Playhouse's production will be directed by Alexis Lazear, with choreography by Allison Paraiso and musical direction by Michael Patrick Wiles.

Tickets (ranging from $22-$40) are available by calling (510) 845-8542 x351 or by visiting online at www.berkeleyplayhouse.org.

Photo Credit: Ben Krantz Studio

Deloris Van Cartier, Michelle & Tina (Elizabeth Jones, VIDA MAE FERNANDEZ & GIANA GAMBARDELLA)

TJ, Pablo & Joey (MARCEL SAUNDERS, JESSE CORTEZ & CHRIS PLANK)

Deloris Van Cartier (Elizabeth Jones)

Sister Mary Robert (ELIZABETH CURTIS)

Sister Mary Lazarus (JEANINE PERASSO-KACZMARCZYK)

Deloris Van Cartier (Elizabeth Jones) and company

Deloris Van Cartier (Elizabeth Jones) and company

Eddie Souther (DAVE J. ABRAMS)