Alloa Musical Players Sister Act 2024 Programme

Alloa Musical Players and Queen of Angels Convent

13 - 16 March 2024

Mother Superior

Welcomes you

As we welcome the warmer weather that springtime brings, so too are you warmly welcomed to Queen of Angels.

Our Heavenly Father blesses us each year with a message of hope as the earth thaws and life starts to emerge once more, and we look forward to Easter time and the greatest gift ever given.

We hope that you will find sanctuary here within these walls and join us in a life of adoration and grace, serving our God and our community with faith and modesty.

Together, let us lift our voices in prayer, share in the bonds of fellowship, and walk hand in hand along the path of righteousness. May the light of divine grace illuminate our way and guide us to deeper understanding, peace, and fulfilment.

Know that you are valued, cherished, and loved beyond measure. May our time together be blessed with moments of grace, laughter, and profound spiritual growth.

A Word From The President

On behalf of everyone at Alloa Musical Players I’d like to extend a warm welcome to our production of Menken and Slater’s Sister Act, a feel-amazing musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film featuring Whoopi Goldberg.

Building on the success of last year’s Little Shop of Horrors, we are excited to be back on the stage to present to you a wonderful show full of Motown inspired songs and dances which will have you boogeying all the way home.

We’re delighted to welcome a host of new faces on stage, as well as in the band and behind the scenes.

I’d like to use this opportunity to thank them for their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm. I would also like to thank the regulars who continue to show commitment to all things AMP, whether on the stage, front of house or behind the scenes. It is this that has allowed Alloa Musical Players to continue to bring musical theatre to the people of Clackmannanshire.

In addition, I’d like to acknowledge the continued support of people across the community who support us through sponsorship, donations, promotion and kind words of encouragement. They are also invaluable to the success of the show.

I would like to give a special thanks to Kaye Finlay (Creative Director) and Lesley Easton (Musical Director). Their continued enthusiasm, vision, commitment and patience with our unruly bunch of performers is remarkable.

Finally I would like to thank you, our audience. We love performing, but without you coming along to see our shows we’d just be an odd bunch of people singing songs to each other in fancy dress! Thank you all for making what we do worthwhile, and we are sure you will enjoy the show.

Bless you my friends, and...

5, 6, 7, 8!

Rob McDermott

Order of Service

Act i

Take me to Heaven

Fabulous, Baby!

Here Within These Walls

It’s Good to Be a Nun

When I Find My Baby

I Could Be That Guy

Here Within These Walls (Reprise)

Raise Your Voice

Take Me to Heaven

Act ii

Sunday Morning Fever

Lady in the Long Black Dress

I Haven’t Got a Prayer

Bless Our Show

The Life I Never Led

Fabulous, Baby (Reprise)

Sister Act

When I Find My Baby (Reprise)

The Life I Never Led (Reprise)

Sister Act (Reprise)

Spread the Love Around

Raise Your Voice

Production TeAm

CreAtive Director

Kaye Finlay

MusicAl Director

Lesley Easton AssistAnt

Music by ALAN MENKEN

Book by CHERI STEINKELLNER & BILL STEINKELLNER

Lyrics by GLENN SLATER

Additional Book Material DOUGLAS CARTER BEANE

Based on the Touchstone Pictures Motion Picture “Sister Act”

written by Joseph Howard

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.co.uk Orchestrations by Doug Besterman.

Vocal and Incidental Music Arrangements by Michael Kosarin

Produced on Broadway by Whoopi Goldberg & Stage Entertainment in association with The Shubert Organization and Disney Theatrical Productions

Originally Production Developed in Association with Peter Schneider & Michael Reno and Produced by Stage Entertainment

World Premiere Produced by Pasadena Playhouse, Pasadena CA and Alliance Theatre, Atlanta GA Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director; Susan V. Booth, Artistic Director; Lyla White, Executive Director; Tom Pechar, Managing Director; Tom Ware, Producing Director

Mother Superior's UpdAte

Thought for the DAy

As we navigate the twists and turns of life, it's essential to consider the wisdom of those around us. Today, let us reflect on the importance of seeking counsel from individuals who are genuinely invested in our well-being and the outcomes of our decisions.

In our journey, we encounter numerous voices offering guidance and opinions. Yet, not all advice carries the same weight. It is prudent to discern whose counsel aligns with our values and who will be there to support us through the consequences of our choices.

As members of a community bound by faith and compassion, let us be mindful of the impact our decisions may have on ourselves and others. Seek counsel from those who walk alongside you, who understand your journey, and who will stand by you through thick and thin. May we be guided by wisdom, discernment, and the loving support of our community as we navigate life's pathways together.

NeWs from the Convent

As you will likely have seen in the news, we recently had a guest staying with us at Queen of Angels. The spirited (and not in the traditional sense of our residents) Deloris Van Cartier sought refuge within our convent walls after witnessing a crime. Oh, how she struggled to conform to our strict ways, her vibrant personality clashing with our solemn routines.

However, through her passion for music, Deloris breathed miraculous new life into our humble choir, infusing it with joy and harmony. Despite our initial apprehensions, we found ourselves drawn to her infectious spirit, and bonds of sisterhood formed amidst the notes of her melodies.

In the end, we learned valuable lessons about acceptance and the power of embracing the unique gifts each soul brings. Through Deloris' presence, we discovered that even in the most unexpected places, faith and friendship can blossom. And as our voices rose in unity, we witnessed the miracles that can occur when hearts are opened to the transformative power of love.

Deloris Van Cartier

Robyn Gordon

Robyn started performing at the age of 8 with Forefront Children’s Theatre in Alloa. From there she moved to the Dance School of Scotland in Glasgow and finished training at Italia Conti School of Performing Arts in London. She has travelled widely, performing in China, Italy and Spain, and was lead vocal in the UK tour of ‘Dancing Queen: an Abba Revival’. This is Robyn’s second show with AMP, and she is also a member of Alloa’s Alman Dramatic Club. When she’s not performing, Robyn is a dental nurse and enjoys going on long walks with her Daschund, Georgie. Robyn is delighted to be given this chance to take on her first principal role with the company, and can’t wait to get on the stage with her AMP family.

Eddie Souther

Joseph Young

Joe studied at the Guildford School of Acting and has performed in ‘Men Should Weep’ at the Royal National Theatre, ‘Romeo & Juliet’ at The Chocolate Factory and ‘Our Boys’ at The Tabard Theatre.

His past musical roles include Valjean in ‘Les Miserables’ and Judas in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. Joe made his debut with AMP as Seymour Krelborn in our 2023 production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’.

Joe has also recently started his own theatre company, Kraken Theatre, and directed a production of ‘Our Boys’ in 2023, featuring local actors.

Meet the Members of our Church

Our convent is home to many nuns, overseen by Mother Superior and Monsignor O’Hara. Here’s a little introduction of some of our key residents to help you get to know us better.

Mother Superior

Formerly known as Alex Wright

Alex has been with AMP for 2 years. She moved to Scotland from Nottinghamshire mid-Covid and joined AMP to make friends, despite a 16 year break from theatre. Alex is classically trained and has sung in choirs for years, but found a love of musical theatre after seeing Chicago on Broadway. Singing, dancing and acting all at the same time is a bit out of her comfort zone, but she’s found AMP so supportive it’s been a joy to learn new skills.

Outside of musical theatre, Alex enjoys cooking for friends and family, but leaves the washing up for her wonderful husband, while she puts her feet up with a gin in one hand and a book in the other!

Sister MAry Robert

Formerly known as Caressa Janssen

This is Caressa’s 2nd year with AMP. She’s previously played the principal roles of Jasmine in ‘Arabica’ and Johanna in ‘Ketters’, both original musicals, with amateur musical theatre groups in the Netherlands.

After moving to Scotland in 2018 Caressa studied acting full time and has played parts in several short films, theatre and children’s music theatre.

Caressa is a Study Skills Tutor at Stirling University and an Associate Tutor in Psychology at Glasgow University.

Sister MAry L AzArus

Formerly known as Amy McDermott

Amy joined AMP in 2017 and has previously been in 9 to 5, Chicago and Little Shop of Horrors. She’s also performed with our friends at Larbert Musical Theatre, and Edinburgh Music Theatre.

Most often found as part of the chorus catching people during lifts and moving set around stage, this is Amy’s first principal role. She is absolutely delighted to be taking on the role of Sister Mary Lazarus, channelling her grumpy and groovy sides in equal proportions!

Amy is very proud to be a member of AMP and can’t wait to be back on stage enjoying bringing this fabulous show to Alloa Town Hall.

Sister MAry PAtrick

Formerly known as Olivia Donnet

Olivia has loved musical theatre since playing the Artful Dodger in Oliver! with YMTS aged just 10 years old. She’s played some really fun parts over the years, but the excitable and fun-loving Mary Patrick has definitely been one of her favourites.

This is her first year with AMP and she is excited to get on stage with such a talented bunch. She’d like to thank her friends and family for all their love and support, and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Sister MAry MArtin of Tours

Formerly known as Pauline Darnbrough

Sister MAry TheresA

Formerly known as Susan McLaine

Meet the Members of our Church

Our Church could not function without the leadership of our Monsignor and efforts of the many Sisters who work humbly in the background.

Monsignor O’HArA

George Marcinkiewicz

George has performed for many years with AMP and the Alman Dramatic Club, as well as several other companies. With AMP, he's recently taken on the roles of Mr Caldwell in 'Urinetown' and Mr Mushnik in 'Little Shop of Horrors'.

He hasn’t looked back since being given a recall after auditioning for Scottish Ballet’s production of Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffman. He is a bit heavier now than then though!

The Sisters of Queen of Angels Convent

Sandra Bonar

Jacqueline Cuthel

Judy Edwards

Elin Fleet

Kirsty Gillies

Amy Harvey

Suzanne Huby

Gemma McDonald

Dee Williams

Catriona McPhail

Laura McPherson

Ann Pearston

Sarah Sanderson

Laura Stewart

Caroline Thomson

Kirstie Young

Pill Ars of the Community

Our convent could not run without the support of the people below. We are grateful for their service.

TAble Sponsors

Alloa Football Club

Alloa Rugby Club

Aspect Heating

CTSI

DTH Paintshop

Dunmar House Hotel

Friends of AMP

GOLD

Alistair Spowage

Gordon R McFarlane Jewellery

Ladybird Tea Room

Norland Joinery

O-I

SM Joinery

SMS Alloa Ltd.

SILVER

Margaret Cowell

BRONZE

Lesley Kettle

Avril Hughes

A Friend of AMP is someone who is not a Member or part of our performing company, but donates money or time to support our work.

DONATE

Friends can donate as much or as little as they choose, however, our Bronze, Silver and Gold Friends make an annual donation.

• Bronze Friends £25

• Silver Friends £50

• Gold Friends £100

Through Gift Aid we can also increase the value of gifts by 25%.

VOLUNTEER

Our shows couldn’t run without the dedicated team of volunteers who work behind the scenes (sometimes literally) to get the show on the stage. Volunteers support as stage crew, set building, props, costuming, hair and make-up, ticket sales, catering, marketing, front of house and much more.

Find out more at www.alloamusicalplayers.org/friend

PrAy for the Lost

Let us not forget those who live out with our walls, who have chosen a different path. It is our duty to pray for their souls.

Curtis Jackson

Chris Cairns

Chris joined AMP in 2013 for Pirates of Penzance, and has since performed in South Pacific, in which he played Emile, and Chicago.

Out in the real world, Chris is a dentist and lives in Auchterader with his wife and his dog, Wallace. Chris can’t wait to get back on stage with his AMP pals and release his inner baddie as Curtis.

TJ

Allan Farrell

Allan has been performing on and off since the age of 5, and has been a member of AMP for 5 years, joining in 2019 for Chicago. Allan played his first named role as Skip Snip in last year’s Little Shop of Horrors, and is extremely excited to be able to play an even bigger part as TJ, especially as he grew up watching, and loving, Sister Act.

Allan is thankful to the company for supporting him to use theatre as a method of recovery from mental health issues. It’s a pleasure to share the stage with his ‘AMP fam’ who are incredibly accepting and loving.

Other prAyer points

• Mrs DuPont asks for blessings upon her son’s seventh marriage. We all hope this one’s the keeper.

• Miss Ella Neus asks for peace and tolerance in our varied community.

• Mr Mark Baddely asks for forgiveness. He does not specify what for.

• Miss Uri Saint-Louis asks for success in her upcoming chess tournament.

Joey

Jenni Campbell

This is Jenni’s first year with AMP, after being in societies in the Dundee and St Andrews areas. Following in both her grannies’ footsteps, she has been dancing since she was little, and studied HNC & HND in Musical Theatre at the now Fife College.

Joey is Jenni’s first principal role out with college. While in college, Jenni played Dorothy in Stepping Out The Musical, which combined her love of singing and tap dancing.

Outside of AMP, you’ll probably find her going to see more shows, as she can’t stay away from the theatre! Jenni is very excited to be performing with AMP this year, and has made lots of fantastic and supportive friends.

Pablo

Donna

Meiklejohn

This is Donna’s first year with the AMP family. She has previously been involved in other theatre companies since the age of 8, over 20 years, and has always enjoyed it.

When not being a gangster, Donna works with children with additional support needs. She is also a wife and a mum to two beautiful boys. She is looking forward to showing off her ‘ssmmoooooooottthh’ moves, and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Ernie/Cop/Taxi Driver

Steve Selvester

Tina & Michelle

Lesley Kettles & Caitlin Smith

Sister Mary Clarence's Thought for the Day

Let's spice things up today with a little funk in our reflection! Picture this: you're standing at the base of a towering mountain, feeling the beat of life pulsating through your veins. You look up and see the summit calling out to you with promises of adventure and growth. And then you hear it:

"You can’t fall if you don’t climb. But there’s no joy in living your whole life on the ground."

Now, ain't that the truth! Sure, playing it safe might keep you from tripping and stumbling, but where's

the fun in that? Life's about getting out there, shaking things up, and grooving to your own rhythm.

So, let's break out of the monotony, shake off those doubts, and get ready to boogie up that mountain of dreams! Embrace the challenge, crank up the volume on your courage, and let's jam our way to new heights!

Remember, it's not just about reaching the peak; it's about enjoying the funky beats and wild ride along the way. So, grab your climbing gear, turn up the funk, and let's rock this journey together!

CharityCollection

Each year, Alloa Musical Players collects donations for a local charity at the end of each performance. This year's Charity is Wee County Cancer Research UK Fundraising Group.

All donations much appreciatedlook out for the nuns who will be at the exits as you leave.

Band

keyS 1 .............. Robert Menzies

keyS 2 .............. Ben Eames

guitar .............. Duncan Findlay

BaSS .................. Greg Ramage

druMS/.............. Christie Scott

perCuSSion

Crew

reed 1 ............... David Morrow

reed 2 .............. Ann Forbes

truMpet 1 ........ Alistair Neally

truMpet 2 ........ Steven Gray

troMBone ........ John Muir

Stage Manager ................... Victoria Davies

Sound & Lighting .............. MM Sound & Lighting

FoLLow Spot operatorS ... Ali Wilson, Rory Wilson & Drew Wilson

Stage Crew .........................

Richard Cook, Kevin Docherty, AM, Katie Quinn & Jennie Spowage

Set deSign & BuiLd ...........

Kirstie Young, Jenni Campbell, Dee Williams & Elin Fleet

propS ....................................

Kirstie Young

Front oF houSe Manager.. Rosa McPherson

Box oFFiCe...........................

Bar teaM .............................

Leanne Cook & Neil McFarlane

Clark Whyte, Anne Idziak, Lesley Kettles

Alasdair MacDonald & Sandy Paterson

SponSorShip ........................ Judy Edwards

Marketing & proMotion... Lesley Kettles & Laura McPherson

Also

we CouLdn’t put on the Show without the Support oF: Wee County Crafters for storage; Alloa Rugby Club for rehearsal space; Lindsey Spowage for keeping us fed and watered at rehearsals; the wonderful people who give up their time during the week to help out in the production crew and front of house duties; first aid volunteers; Alloa Town Hall staff; Alva Scouts; and many more.

Long Service Awards

Alloa Musical Players is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO SC047773) and we are affiliated to The National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) – established in 1873 as the support organisation for non-professional performing groups. AMP belongs to District No. 3 and our local area representative is Elizabeth Donald. This year, eight members of our company will receive their long service awards.

25 Years

20 Years

15 Years

10 Years

Ann Pearston

Jenni Campbell, Caitlin Smith

Pauline Darnbrough, Lesley Kettles, Susan McLaine

Laura McPherson, Jennie Spowage

Did you know?

NODA was founded in 1899.

Has a membership of over 2000 amateur groups and 1000 individual members. Members stage musicals, operas, plays , concerts and pantomimes. Member venues range from professional theatres to village halls. Supports the needs of youth and adult theatre, on and o stage.

NODA publishes three magazines a year NODA Today, read it for free on our website

Visit our website to join today

noda.org.uk

In memory of Kay Burnet Musician,

'Man with a Van' service for the show was funded by Sarah Sanderson

Friend and Raconteur

Queen of Angels

Community

Choir

Join our newly formed Choir, singing a wide range of music including gospel, disco, Motown and some twists on traditional hymns. Everyone welcome. Bring the boogey!

For more info, contact Deloris Van Cartier on PH 5-7293.

MArriAge Announcement

Ben EAmes & Aileen SWeeney

Nothing brings us more joy than announcing the marriage of two people in love. Ben & Aileen met in 2017 while working as the Musical Director and Pianist respectively for Alloa Musical Players' production of 9 to 5 the Musical. Music really does bring people together in the most unexpected ways!

The Sisters at Queen of Angels Convent, and their friends at Alloa Musical Players wish them all the best for their big day, and many happy years together.

Prize Wordsearch!

One of the characters below does not appear in the wordsearch.

Win 2 tickets to next year's show!

Complete the puzzle and email the missing character and your name to alloamusicalplayers@hotmail.co.uk to enter the prize draw to win 2 tickets to The Wedding Singer in 2025.

If you’ve enjoyed the show today and think you might like to give it a go, we’d love to have you!

AMP is an inclusive company. Everyone is welcome, and there are no auditions to join the cast. You don’t need to have any experience or training to take part, just come along and have a go. If you do fancy trying out for a part, auditions are open to anyone, even if it’s your first show.

Join us for

Our March 2025 show will be The Wedding Singer.

Rehearsals begin in August. Follow our social media pages to keep up to date with what’s happening, and keep an eye out for one of our workshops or social events over the months in between, which are a great place to meet some of the AMP family.

Scan to find out more

Alloa Musical Players is a charity registered in Scotland: SC047773