NEW YORK — Raven-Symoné will enter the convent. The former star of Disney Channel comedy series That’s So Raven will make her Broadway debut in Sister Act, producer Whoopi Goldberg announced on Wednesday.
Symoné will play Deloris Van Cartier, the role originated onscreen by Goldberg, in the musical inspired by the 1992 Touchstone Pictures production. A lounge singer impatient for her big break, Deloris is forced to go into hiding with an order of cloistered nuns when she witnesses a Mob hit carried out by her married lover.
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“Finding an actress who can play Deloris in Sister Act is no easy feat,” said Goldberg. “She’s got to sing like an angel, dance her heart out, and land some really big laughs – and, trust me, doing it all in a habit is not easy! Luckily for us, Raven is more than up to the challenge and I think audiences are going to be wowed by her performance.”
“Performing on Broadway has always been a dream of mine and I am beyond thrilled to be making my debut with this role in such a fantastic show,” added Symoné. “Sister Act has everything – amazing songs, hilarious jokes and a fabulous lead character you can root for – I can’t wait to get onstage and share her story with audiences eight times a week.”
Symoné takes over from Tony-nominated star Patina Miller, who departs the company March 18 after playing the role in London and New York. Producers clearly are hoping Symoné’s TV fans will provide a fresh boost to reinvigorate box office, which has lost some steam since the holidays.
Sister Act marks its one-year anniversary at the Broadway Theater April 20. With a Philly Soul-flavored score by Alan Menken and Glen Slater, and a book by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner and Douglas Carter Beane, the show was nominated for five Tony Awards last year.
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