AbunDance Academy Presents…Sister Act AbunDantly !

July 13, 2017 by

The AbunDance Academy of the Arts staged a musical production, Sister Act Abundantly, at the Kings Theatre on Sunday, June 25, 2017. This event was supported, in part, by New York City Council Members Inez Barron and Mathieu Eugene, along with New York City’s Department of Aging and its’ Cultural Affairs’ Su-Casa Program.

Karisma Jay / photo by Marc Ennette /courtesy of Go Go PR

Karisma Jay as Deloris Van Cartier / photo by Marc Enette /courtesy of Go Go PR

Sister Act Abundantly was inspired by the musical comedy films, Sister Act and Sister Act 2. The storyline was inspired by both films and tells the story of an established and seasoned Broadway star, Deloris Van Cartier, played by Artistic Director/ Founder, Karisma Jay, who was the main character in the production. Cartier decided to be a choir director at a Catholic school in her hometown, Brooklyn. While school was in session, Cartier was Sister Mary Clarence, a Catholic nun who strived to incorporate the arts into the community and prevented the school from closing down permanently.

Karisma Jay as Deloris Van Cartier with seniors from Brooklyn’s Hazel Brooks and Teresa Moore Senior Center

Karisma Jay and cast members from Brooklyn’s Hazel Brooks and Teresa Moore Senior Centers / photo by Marc Enette / courtesy of Go Go PR

The play was brought to life with live music and dance by over 110 cast members from the organization. The all ages cast presented glittery and glossy costumes, impeccable voices and stellar dance movements. From the audience’s reaction, they were intrigued when the cast performed the scenes, “Lord, Are You There? It’s Me,” “Who Got Da Flow,” “Because I’m Happy,” and especially during “Go Fund Us.” During that segment, the cast included a component from Sister Act 2 ,when the students were trying to raise money for a musical competition. In the film, Deloris and the students performed James Brown’s classic, “Get Up Offa That Thing.”

Editor’s Note : The AbunDance Academy of the Arts , is a non-profit, tax-exempt arts organization dedicated to offering children, adults and seniors affordable dance, theater, wellness and musical instruction at all levels, who had to leave their Prospect Park/ Lefferts Garden location last year. They are in the process of raising funds for a new permanent home and invite you to learn more on their website.