Marla Mindelle, a comedian and broadway star, came to Moore Theater to teach a theater class on Friday. She led a master class for Sister Act, in which she appeared as Sister Mary Robert in the original Broadway cast.
Sister Act, which will be presented at Moore on Sep. 28th, 7:30-9:30 pm is about a woman, Deloris Wilson, who witnesses a murder, and goes into hiding in a convent. Wilson brings music to the convent, but not everyone approves of this.
In this one-day class, the members performed parts of the Sister Act, and Mindelle taught them how to improve and build off the work they have already done. The students enjoyed the class with Mindelle and laughter could be heard throughout the theater during the acts.
Mindelle gave specific advice based on her own experiences as an original cast member, and also emphasized the importance to stay genuine while acting. She told the students, “you’re enthusiastically yourself, and by doing that you make everyone more comfortable.”
Director of DePauw’s production of Sister Act, Susan Anthony said her positive advice helped the student actors navigate their roles with more confidence. “Mindelle stressed the importance of keeping it simple and staying put on the stage at times instead of moving,” said Anthony. She quoted Mindelle’s advice to “trust the stillness, trust the words, trust the music.”
Anthony is excited to be directing this show at DePauw and said the students have been working very hard. “They have been in rehearsals almost nightly, since August 18th-- we have missed one day,” Anthony said.
Music director, Steven Linville is impressed by the connection that students have made in their rehearsals. “They are really working almost like a family,” Linville said.
Which seems fitting for a show that Anthony described as being about how love and tolerance can bring people together. “Our main character (Wilson) goes from needing nobody,” said Anthony, “to realizing that she needs other people.”