Photo courtesy of Steve Moyer
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Dorrie Braun is breaking her number one rule: She is crossing the 405 for a show, but she promises it’s well worth it.
The 10-year resident of Castellammare plays Sister Mary Lazarus in “Sister Act” at Casa 0101 Theater in Boyle Heights.
“The show is so much fun,” Braun shared. “For me, the big challenge is that it’s real dance heavy, and I am not a dancer.”
Braun, who is trained as a singer but not a dancer, took the role in part because of how different it is from anything she’s done before, which includes, most recently, “Ruddigore” and “Pride and Prejudice.”
“Sister Act,” a Tony Award-nominated musical, follows the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a disco nightclub diva, who witnesses a murder committed by her mobster boyfriend, Curtis Jackson. She is then placed in a witness protective program in a convent under the custody of police.
She goes undercover as “Sister Mary Clarence,” donning a nun’s habit while attempting to acclimate herself into her new lifestyle.
The show is directed by Rigo Tejeda, musically directed by Gabrielle Maldonado and choreographed by Tania Possick.
“Our spirited production of ‘Sister Act,’ the musical, will bring joy and laughter to all who come to see the show,” Tejada shared in a press release. “Our divine cast will raise the roof nightly and keep toes tapping as audiences witness nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier’s adventurous antics in her newfound home, a nunnery.”
“I was quite scared out of my mind,” Braun shared of taking the role. “It’s been a joy.”
Performances take place Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. through Sunday, May 19.
For tickets or more information, visit casa0101.org.
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