By Sam Desmond |
The Argyle Theatre in Babylon is bringing disco, divas, and a whole lot of soul to its stage this month.
On Thursday, Sept. 18, the Argyle officially opens “Sister Act,” the hit Broadway musical inspired by the 1992 Whoopi Goldberg film.
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“Sister Act captures the message that there’s beauty in acceptance,” said artistic director Evan Pappas, who is leading the production.
The musical, which first debuted on Broadway in 2006, features an original score by theater legend Alan Menken. It follows nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier, a gangster’s girlfriend who witnesses a murder and hides out in a convent. There, she shakes up the choir with her disco flair — drawing crowds of parishioners and the disapproval of the strict Mother Superior.
“I just can’t believe I’ll be playing one of the most iconic roles in theatre history!” said Aeja Barrows, who stars as Deloris. “Whether you’re a show tune junkie or just looking for a good time, come to the Argyle and have the laugh of your lifetime as we spread the message of love, hope, and solidarity.”
Pappas called Barrows a “huge star” and praised her acting instincts, adding that while the show is full of slapstick and farce, it also carries real weight.
“Every time I have a new production I ask: Do we care? Do I care?” he said. “Sister Act is a story I care about. It’s great escapism with a great message of loving people as they are.”
Behind the scenes
Choreographer Vincent Ortega leaned into the show’s unique energy.
“Choreographing Sister Act is wild — you teach nuns to boogie, and suddenly they’re serving disco salvation!” he said.
Costume designer Amanda Scanze pulled directly from the 1970s for her looks. “The ’70s is full of exciting patterns, colors, and silhouettes. It was so much fun playing with all of those elements to create the characters.”
And scenic designer Sabrinna Cox said her work focused on contrast: “Navigating the gritty streets of Philadelphia to the serene world of the convent required balancing the sacred and the irreverent, the traditional and the contemporary.”
The production features a mix of Argyle newcomers and local Long Island talent, something Pappas said he’s particularly proud of.
“I wanted to keep it fresh with an enhanced, clear vision, but a lot of my own flair is found throughout the show,” he said.
The show will run through Oct. 26. Tap here for tickets.
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Top: Cast of “Sister Act” at Argyle Theatre in Babylon. (Credit: GLI/Sam Desmond)
