ORLANDO, Fla. – The feel-good musical comedy based on the hit 1992 film is coming to an Orlando stage.
When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she has to go into hiding in a convent for protection.
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Jaada Hyatt plays Deloris Van Cartier.
“Deloris is a dreamer with a goal and she will reach it by any means possible. Even if that means hiding out in a convent for a month. I think in that way we are similar, because even if I don’t know how to attain my dreams, I will fight for them,” Hyatt said.
Deloris Van Cartier‘s unique moves and singing skills end up inspiring the choir and she breaths new life into the church.
“We did a lot of character work with the director, Travis Eaton, to research what was happening in 1977 Philadelphia. To understand why Deloris would make the decisions she made. So with that knowledge and listening to my curated 1968-1977 playlist, I could step in her shoes,” Hyatt explained.
She said her favorite scene is with Jennifer Rae Paxton, who plays Mother Superior. During the show, they have a rocky relationship with clashing personalities and values.
“Their relationship is so tumultuous that the end is satisfying. Working with Jennifer has been wonderful, because her dedication and commitment is apparent,” Hyatt shared.
“I share her same motherly spirit. Fiercely protective with a strong exterior, but soft and cuddly on the inside. Her loyalty to the ones she loves and her drive to make sure all are safe and happy really resonates with me,“ Paxton said.
Emma Licata plays another main nun in the show, Sister Mary Robert. She spoke about how those same work sessions with director, Eaton, helped her get into character.
“I’ve done much dissecting of the script, to find my character’s motivation and my own relations to her throughout. All of this helps me to walk through the character’s journey beat-by-beat and then helps me to better prepare for each of those specific moments. Although admittedly, I do feel much of a kinship to this character, so getting into her headspace is fortunately not much of a challenge for me,” Licata said.
The show from nonprofit theatre company, Little Radical Theatrics, is filled with gospel music, dancing, and a story that pays homage to the universal power of friendship.
“My favorite lyrics in the show are in the finale: ‘Life’s only love, spread the love around.’ I feel it’s a prevalent message that serve as a gentle reminder in our current societal day and age,” Licata explained.
You can see the musical Aug. 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 17 at 3 p.m. Click here to buy tickets.