Heavenly Performance by All in "Sister Act"
Glowing reviews, faithful fans, and two weekends of great audiences, Sister Act was a wonderful tribute to the Dominican Sisters and a work of love for all involved. Congrats to the cast, crew, production team and orchestra on an incredible show!
In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, Justin-Siena was honored to dedicate their spring musical production, Sister Act, to the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael who founded our school with the De la Salle Christian Brothers in 1966.
At a special Opening Night reception, more than a dozen Sisters were honored guests and received a standing ovation at the beginning of the second act. It was a special moment.
Thanks to all who attended our spring musical at the Lincoln Theater.
High acclaim:
“Spunky Justin-Siena High School senior Tyler Bertani rocks the lead as young soul singer Deloris Van Cartier in Alan Menken’s musical, “Sister Act,” on stage at the Lincoln Theater in Yountville through April 2. Bertani kills the lead role, but beautifully-choreographed dance numbers (Lisa Clark Schmeling) and priceless sixties-seventies costumes (Sylvia Gregory) round out the spectacle with a delightful mix of sass and pizzazz.”
—Elizabeth Warnimont, Benicia Herald
"’Sister Act’ could not have been any better. The lead singer/actor/dancers showed true top talent and my husband and I were impressed with the direction and choreography as well as sets for the show. Keep up the GREAT work! You have your community behind you! We'll be watching for stories of the careers of Tyler, Michael and Rachel particularly, and who knows which other students will find the world of theatrical performance as part of their lives? Kudos to you and all the staff, volunteers and students!"
Saints and Sinners: A Director’s Note
from the Bravebill
We are so pleased to bring you Sister Act as part of Justin-Siena’s 50th Anniversary celebration! It is with much gratitude and love that we dedicate this production to the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael.
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At a special Opening Night reception, more than a dozen Sisters were honored guests and received a standing ovation at the beginning of the second act. It was a special moment.
Thanks to all who attended our spring musical at the Lincoln Theater.
High acclaim:
“Spunky Justin-Siena High School senior Tyler Bertani rocks the lead as young soul singer Deloris Van Cartier in Alan Menken’s musical, “Sister Act,” on stage at the Lincoln Theater in Yountville through April 2. Bertani kills the lead role, but beautifully-choreographed dance numbers (Lisa Clark Schmeling) and priceless sixties-seventies costumes (Sylvia Gregory) round out the spectacle with a delightful mix of sass and pizzazz.”
—Elizabeth Warnimont, Benicia Herald
"’Sister Act’ could not have been any better. The lead singer/actor/dancers showed true top talent and my husband and I were impressed with the direction and choreography as well as sets for the show. Keep up the GREAT work! You have your community behind you! We'll be watching for stories of the careers of Tyler, Michael and Rachel particularly, and who knows which other students will find the world of theatrical performance as part of their lives? Kudos to you and all the staff, volunteers and students!"
“Such an amazing show!!!! Bravo cast, crew and directors!”
“Great show, such energy with 70 kids on stage!”
“Fabulous night of theater with Opening Night of the Justin-Siena Theatre production of
"Sister Act," which was dedicated to the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael as part of the school's 50th Anniversary celebrations. Fun to see so many Sisters there to enjoy. Kudos to the cast and crew, and especially, Director James Thomas Bailey!”
"Sister Act," which was dedicated to the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael as part of the school's 50th Anniversary celebrations. Fun to see so many Sisters there to enjoy. Kudos to the cast and crew, and especially, Director James Thomas Bailey!”
“Thanks for a great night at the theatre, Justin-Siena. I loved the show! If you’re looking for something to do in Napa this weekend, go see it!”
“Wonderful performance as usual. Loved seeing and talking to the "real" Sisters on Opening Night.”
Saints and Sinners: A Director’s Note
from the Bravebill
We are so pleased to bring you Sister Act as part of Justin-Siena’s 50th Anniversary celebration! It is with much gratitude and love that we dedicate this production to the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael.
The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael founded Siena High School in 1966, and their deep devotion to education helped form Justin-Siena (along with the Christian Brothers) into the institution it is today. The Dominican Sisters also have a rich tradition of supporting the arts in our schools. Our stage at school is located on the north end of campus (formerly the Siena campus), and the building in which the arts are centered has recently been rechristened Siena Hall, in honor of the sisters. Our new stage curtain is red, once again honoring the original school color, and the curtain is a daily reminder of their legacy. I want to encourage you to visit the lobby display, to read about the rich history of these dedicated women. We owe much to them.
From The Sound of Music to Dead Man Walking, nuns have always had a place on the silver screen and stage—but none have given personality to the women behind the habits quite like Sister Act. Originally a blockbuster film starring Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act is decidedly silly. But, for a new generation, nuns were portrayed as something other than ladies of the Lord. They were women with personalities and stories of their own. They had, quite literally, voices. Sister Act made nuns “cool” again. Their vocation was to be rediscovered by a new generation of women.
The authors have re-set this adaptation in 1978, embracing the era, with all of its tacky glitz. As co-writer Cheri Steinkellner told our cast during a recent visit, the play is about the meeting of the sacred and the profane, and what could fill that bill better than the disco era? Clearly, these sisters are nothing like our beloved Dominicans. While the stereotypical sisters of the musical live in the dark ages for comic effect (eating mutton and never leaving the convent), the Dominicans are vibrant, dedicated teachers, devoted to social justice and service. What they do have in common with their ridiculous counterparts is a deep devotion to Christ. A Dominican is called to preach (they are the Order of Preachers)—to be someone entrusted with God’s Word for others, someone who is compelled to speak the words of truth, love, mercy and justice which she has received in Jesus Christ.
From The Sound of Music to Dead Man Walking, nuns have always had a place on the silver screen and stage—but none have given personality to the women behind the habits quite like Sister Act. Originally a blockbuster film starring Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act is decidedly silly. But, for a new generation, nuns were portrayed as something other than ladies of the Lord. They were women with personalities and stories of their own. They had, quite literally, voices. Sister Act made nuns “cool” again. Their vocation was to be rediscovered by a new generation of women.
The authors have re-set this adaptation in 1978, embracing the era, with all of its tacky glitz. As co-writer Cheri Steinkellner told our cast during a recent visit, the play is about the meeting of the sacred and the profane, and what could fill that bill better than the disco era? Clearly, these sisters are nothing like our beloved Dominicans. While the stereotypical sisters of the musical live in the dark ages for comic effect (eating mutton and never leaving the convent), the Dominicans are vibrant, dedicated teachers, devoted to social justice and service. What they do have in common with their ridiculous counterparts is a deep devotion to Christ. A Dominican is called to preach (they are the Order of Preachers)—to be someone entrusted with God’s Word for others, someone who is compelled to speak the words of truth, love, mercy and justice which she has received in Jesus Christ.
The message of Sister Act, for all its silliness, is that being human and knowing God are inseparable. Acceptance, grace and forgiveness are at the heart of this show, and God walks with us in many ways. Deloris is led back to her faith, and Mother Superior learns how to love again. Love, devotion, and service may take different forms, but there is a place for all at the Lord’s table.
To find out more about the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael and how you can support or be a part of their mission, visit their website: SanRafaelOP.org. (Yes, they have a website. No mutton here…).
Thank you, Sisters. Enjoy the show!
James Thomas Bailey
Justin-Siena High School
Justin-Siena is a Lasallian Catholic college preparatory community that serves young people in grades 9–12.