THE CONCLUSION OF SISTER ACT LEADS TO “CRYFEST” 2017

By TAYLOR HACKETT

TAYLOR HACKETT FOR WIZARD WEEKLY

The Masque and Mime Society performed the hit musical “Sister Act” over the weekend and it was a fan favorite. The show is about a nightclub singer named Deloris Van Cartier who witnesses her gangster boyfriend Curtis murder someone. She then goes to the police to inform them of the incident and a former high school classmate turned police officer hides her in a convent for protection. At first, Deloris is very resistant to the convent life and it takes a while for her to adjust. She ends up joining the nuns’ choir transforming them from a bunch of tone-deaf wailers to a talented bunch whose ability gains the attention of the city, nation, and Vatican. Additionally, she realizes that the other nuns aren’t much different from her and she develops a genuine fondness for being with them and singing with them. She learns from the nuns to spread the love around through song.

Deloris Van Cartier was played by senior Nicole Quinones.  When asked what it was like playing this role she replied, “I have been performing since I was three years old, and I did my first musical when I was nine.  There was never a role that I knew that I could play until Deloris came along. She was the perfect first lead role for me to have. She embodied confidence, love and friendship. It showcased my singing and acting, but also taught me life lessons.” This was Nicole’s first lead and she nailed it.  While she is an exceptional actress, her true passion is actually singing. When she sang “Sister Act,” in the second act, it gave the audience members chills and brought them to tears. 

Speaking of tears, after the final show there is always an after party which includes something called Cryfest.  Cryfest is run by the juniors, and it’s a way to appreciate the seniors for all that they have done during their time at Masque and Mime. They write a speech incorporating various quotes from the four major musicals the seniors have performed in.  The four shows that the juniors incorporated in their speech this year were Bye Bye Birdie, Pippin, Once Upon a Mattress, and Sister Act.  They are also presented with a gift each year.  This year’s gift was a beautiful  hand-carved ornament. 

Brendan Hogan was one of the juniors that helped coordinate the special event for the seniors. When asked how they had prepared to make this Cryfest special, he replied, “We prepared by having a meeting and making a group chat about who's doing what. We coordinated the decorating of the auditorium with Millie Soto, with the ideas of the Juniors being implemented. Since there were a lot of seniors, we knew it had to be good.”  Brendan also added, “I will miss the overall talent of the seniors. Some were gifted with singing, some with dancing, some with acting, and some with making amazing sets and making sure the show runs smoothly. Many of these seniors had multiple skills that every show requires. They will be sorely missed next year.”