SISTER ACT: The Musical Extends At London Palladium Through 12/18/2010

WhatsOnStage reports that the musical version of screen comedy SISTER ACT has extended its schedule by ten months.

It opened at the London Palladium on 2nd June 2009 (previews from 7th May) and is now booking through to 18 December 2010.

"When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place cops are sure she won't be found - a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and an uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community, but in doing so blows her cover. Soon the gang are giving chase, only to find themselves up against Deloris and the power of her new found Sister Hood."

After a year-long global search, 24 year old US actress Patina Miller was cast to make her West End debut playing the lead role of ‘Deloris Van Cartier' in the divine new musical comedy SISTER ACT. Born and raised in South Carolina, Patina's previous credits include the critically acclaimed 2008 production of Hair in New York. The role of Deloris in SISTER ACT was made famous by Whoopi Goldberg in the movie of the same name, and Goldberg is a co-producer of the stage version.

Starring alongside Patina is Sheila Hancock as ‘Mother Superior'. To many, a national treasure and a multi-BAFTA nominee, Sheila's career spans theatre, television, radio and film and she won a 2007 Olivier Award for her performance in Cabaret. Dad's Army and EastEnders actor Ian Lavender also stars as ‘Monsignor Howard'.

Also starring in SISTER ACT is Chris Jarman as ‘Shank', Ako Mitchell as ‘Eddie', Katie Rowley Jones as ‘Sister Mary Robert', Claire Greenway as ‘Sister Mary Patrick' and Julia Sutton as ‘Sister Mary Lazarus', Thomas Goodridge as ‘TJ', Nicolas Colicos as ‘Bones' and Ivan De Freitas as ‘Dinero'. The cast also includes Vanessa Barmby, Amy Booth-Steel, Julian Cannonier, Ben Clare, Helen Colby, Kate Coyston, Jennie Dale, Jaymz Denning, Nia Fisher, Alison Harding, Paul Kemble, Debbie Kurup, George Long, Hugh Maynard, Jo Napthine, Aysa O'Flaherty, Landi Oshinowo, Verity Quade, Helen Walsh and Emma Woods.

SISTER ACT features a score by Alan Menken, eight-time Oscar winner and composer of many of the world famous songs from Disney's movies, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty & The Beast, Aladdin and Enchanted, with lyrics from his long- time collaborator Glenn Slater. The book is by the award-winning team Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, whose writing credits include the classic television comedy Cheers, and the production is directed by Peter Schneider.

SISTER ACT features the show's songs on MySpace; "Raise Your Voice" and "Take Me to Heaven." To listen to the songs, visit the show's myspace.

SISTER ACT has musical supervision by Michael Kosarin, choreography by Anthony Van Laast, set design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Lez Brotherston, sound design by Mick Potter, lighting design by Natasha Katz and musical direction by Nicholas Skilbeck.

SISTER ACT is produced in London by Whoopi Goldberg and Stage Entertainment, producers of Hairspray, Strictly Come Dancing The Live Tour!, High School Musical and Saturday Night Fever.

Performance times for SISTER ACT at the London Palladium will be 7.30pm Mondays to Saturdays, with 3.00pm matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Tickets, priced from £17.50-£60.00 available from the London Palladium Box Office on 0844 412 2704 and online at www.sisteractthemusical.com