Milwaukee area theater lovers should prepare for a divine intervention of pure joy as Skylight Music Theatre unveils the sensational cast of Sister Act. From April 4-27, they’re bringing the beloved film to life with a soul-stirring explosion of music, laughter, and the undeniable power of sisterhood, marking a spectacular close to Skylight’s 65th season.
Sister Act tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a sassy lounge singer who witnesses a murder and is placed in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be found: a convent. Disguised as Sister Mary Clarence, Deloris uses her musical talents to breathe new life into the struggling choir, ultimately finding her voice and a true sense of family.
"We are rejoicing with excitement to bring this uplifting and entertaining musical to Milwaukee audiences," said Michael Unger, Artistic Director. "I can’t think of a better way to finish out our 65th season than with this joyous show and this incredible cast, crew, and creative team. We hope to have our audiences dancing in their seats with this fabulous show!"
A Sisterly Creative Force
Adding to the special nature of this production, Sister Act features a strong, all-female lead creative team, including Molly Rhode as Director, Alexis J. Roston as Choreographer, and Alissa Rhode as Music Director. And if you didn’t catch the last names, adding a unique layer to the production, Molly Rhode and Alissa Rhode are sisters, bringing a special connection and synergy to the creative process.
The Cast of Sister Act
Deloris Van Cartier — Mona Swain
Mother Superior — Janet Metz*
Sister Mary Robert — Hope Riesterer
Sister Mary Patrick — Amanda Satchell
Sister Mary Lazarus — Laura Monagle
Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours — Nicole McCarty
Sister Mary Theresa — Jenny Rudnick
Curtis — Shawn Holmes
Eddie Souther/Ensemble — Dennis Lewis
TJ — Rashard (Rai) Hudson
Joey/Ensemble — Miss Kyle Blair
Pablo — Tomás Dominguez
Monsignor O'Hara/Ernie — Robby McGhee
Michelle/Ensemble — Courtney Giovanazzo
Tina/Ensemble — Jasmine Ridgell Johnson
Ensemble — Rachel Bednarowski
Ensemble — William Toney
* Appearing through an agreement between Skylight Music Theatre and Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Biographies
Rachel Bednarowski (Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to Skylight after Oliver! earlier this season! Other favorite credits include Xanadu (Skylight), Mamma Mia (GCT), 9 to 5 (UWM), and The Marvelous Wonderettes (AEP). Additionally, she teaches and directs at the Fine Arts Academy in Muskego, WI. Rachel holds a BFA in Musical Theatre and minors in Dance Performance and Music from UW-Milwaukee. Love to Gavin, Mom & Dad, family, friends and mentors. Spread the love around! @rachel.bednarowski.pope
Miss Kyle Blair (Joey/Ensemble) Third show at Skylight! Miss Kyle has spent a sizeable portion of their career in international waters, performing with Disney Cruise Line as Kings, Clocks, and Genies, and originating the role of Hook Hand in Tangled: the Musical. They have worked regionally in Chicago, Portland, Memphis, Arizona, and Colorado; with the National Players - America’s Longest-Running Touring Company (Olney, MD); and sometimes performs in drag as @greatauntmavis. Love to family and forever friends. Hi, Georgia!
Tomás Dominguez (Pablo) is a Wisconsin native who performs locally and abroad in various music ensembles and on stage. He holds performance degrees from DePaul University and UW-Eau Claire. Recent credits include Cosí Fan Tutte, Amahl and the Night Visitors, All is Calm, Being Earnest, Songs for a New World, Little Shop of Horrors, and Mary Poppins. He is grateful for the love and support from his family and friends. QEPD EGD
Courtney Giovinazzo (Michelle/Ensemble) is thrilled to make her Skylight debut this season. Some of her favorite previous credits include Amneris in Aida, Peggy in 42nd Street, Dorothy in Wizard of Oz, Ella in Cinderella, and Sophie in MAMMA MIA! Sending love to her family. 143 to D Eric. IG: shortney318
Shawn Holmes (Curtis) is a local actor/singer based in Milwaukee. He has been performing with theatres all throughout Wisconsin. Some theatres include Florentine Opera, First Stage, Middleton Players Theatre, Black Arts MKE, and Four Seasons Theatre. Some of his favorite past performances were Coahouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime (winner of Best Actor in a Musical – Broadway World), Sebastian the Crab in The Little Mermaid, and Jacob in La Cage aux Folles (winner of Best Supporting Actor in a Musical - Footlights). Outside of performing on stage, Shawn works in an emergency department as a registered nurse. Follow him on social media: @Gynepe
Rashard (Rai) Hudson (TJ) is a musician, songwriter, and producer known for his unique, androgynous style. A former American Idol contestant, Rai creates music for TV and film with Warner Chappell and MidCoast Music. He recently played Thalia in Xanadu at Skylight Music Theatre and has danced under renowned choreographer Frank Gatson Jr. Rai also performs and co-produces shows like Vaudeville Vixens and Caba-Rai. Follow him on Instagram @raihudson.
Dennis Lewis (Eddie Souther/Ensemble) is thrilled to be here with you all making his Skylight debut. Theater credits include: Montrellous (U/S) in CLYDE'S at Milwaukee Chamber, Frederick Douglass in The Agitators at Acacia Theatre and Hanschen Rillow in Spring Awakening at Three Brother's Theater. When off stage Dennis can be found serving his hometown as a Lieutenant on the Milwaukee Fire Department.
Nicole McCarty (Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours) holds a B.M. in music education from UW-Whitewater and an M.M. in vocal performance from UW-Milwaukee. Her recent stage credits include Ensemble in Spring Awakening at Skylight Music Theatre, Ruth Younger in A Raisin in the Sun with the Fleeing Artists, and Martha Dunnstock in Heathers the Musical with Outskirts Theatre. As a music director in Milwaukee, her recent credits including Christmas Carol, Annie Jr., Into the Woods Jr., and Peter and the Starcatcher.
Robbie McGhee (Monsignor O'Hara/Ernie) is an actor with over 20 years of experience gracing stages in the Milwaukee area. In the winter of 2023, he was awarded Best Actor at the New York Theatre Festival in the original production of Paradise. Robby has become a familiar face to local theatergoers, particularly at the Greendale Community Theatre. Robby's previous work at Skylight includes Violet and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, . He is deeply grateful for the dedication to hiring Milwaukee talent and to be part of such a special production. Samantha Sostarich, this one is for you - always my Rona Lisa Peretti.
Janet Metz (Mother Superior)* Broadway: Once Upon A Mattress, Marie Christine, On the Town, Fiddler… Off-Broadway: Bingo (Drama League nomination), Falsettoland , I Love You, You're Perfect…, Big, Lucky Stiff, Stars of David, Hurrah at Last, I Love NY (Bistro Award). Tours: Joseph… (Narrator opposite Donny Osmond - platinum recording), The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stop the World…, Music of the Night, Fame. Regional: Harmony (Drama-Logue Award), The Spitfire Grill, Casino Paradise, The Rink, Mack and Mabel, Funny Girl, Sunday in the Park..., A Christmas Carol. At Skylight: Full Monty, Hunchback.., Tim Rice Concert.
Laura Monagle (Sister Mary Lazarus) is sanctifunkadelically delighted to be back at Skylight Music Theatre! Also seen onstage with The Fireside Theatre, Bombshell, Optimist, Boulevard, Outskirts, Sunset and others. Favorite roles: Diana Goodman in Next to Normal, Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia, Sally Durant in Follies, Witch in Into the Woods, Tamora in Titus Andronicus, Ouisa in Six Degrees of Separation. Grateful for this fabulous cast and crew. Laura’s mom will be glad Laura is finally a nun.
Jasmine Ridgell Johnson (Tina/Ensemble) is thrilled to make her Skylight debut after a 5-year hiatus. She has been on several local stages, most notably as Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act at Racine Theatre Guild and Joanne in RENT at Rhode Center for the Arts. Jasmine would like to thank her husband for his unwavering support…and for entertaining the kids (4- and 1-year-old) while she enjoys her passion.
Hope Riesterer (Sister Mary Robert) feels privileged to bring to life this dream role in her fourth Skylight production. Recent performance credits: Bet in Oliver, Thea in Spring Awakening, Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia, Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray, Malvolio in Twelfth Night, and the Kids from Wisconsin tour for four seasons! Hope also has a passion for choreographing and is a recent recipient of the “Outstanding Choreography” Jerry Award from the Overture Center of the Arts.
Jenny Rudnick (Sister Mary Theresa) is excited to venture up north to Skylight for the first time. Chicago area roles: Madame Armfeldt in A Little Night Music at Theo, Grandma in Addams Family at Metropolis, Sister Mary Lazarus in Sister Act at the Mercury Theater, Mama Murphy in Bright Star with Boho and Caesar Rodney in 1776 at Porchlight Music Theater. Jenny is also a CPA and works with non-profit organizations.
Amanda Satchell (Sister Mary Patrick) previous Skylight roles include: a soloist in An Evening With Sir Tim Rice, Rosie in Mamma Mia, Bourgeoisie in Dennis DeYoung’s Hunchback, and Claire in Fortunate Sons. Recent performances as Teagarden in a staged reading of Lily and the Pirates at First Stage, DeeDee in The Prom at Bombshell and Meredith in Batboy at Outskirts. A proud mother, wife, educator, and graduate of the University of Michigan's Musical Theatre program. Love my roots!
Mona Swain (Deloris Van Cartier) is thrilled to be making Skylight Theatre debut! Aside from her theatrical achievements, she has also built a social media following of more than 2 million people across her platforms (@monaswain). Credits: Tina Turner (Alternate) in TINA: The Tina Turner Musical in the 2nd Broadway national tour, Serena in Legally Blonde at City Springs Theatre, Disco Donna (U/S) in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical at the Aurora Theatre.
William Toney (Ensemble) is a Bass-Baritone who loves to make a connection with his audience. He received his BA in Vocal Performance from UWM. Some past roles include Joseph in The Black Nativity By Langston Hughes with Black Arts MKE, The Wolf from Into the Woods at UWM, ensemble in Waitress at Skylight Music Theatre, and Coalhouse Walker Jr. from Ragtime the Musical at American Gothic Performing Arts Festival. You can follow William on Instagram @williamtoneybass.
Creative Team
Molly Rhode (Director) Molly's largest directing projects have all been right here! At Skylight, she staged Newsies, Annie, Les Miserables, and Sound of Music. She's also been onstage as Melpomene in Xanadu, Ulla in The Producers, Sally Bowles in Cabaret, as well as Pump Boys and Dinettes, Chicago, Hello Dolly and others. Molly enjoys making a career in theaters across Wisconsin. She is the Artistic Director of Northern Sky Theater in Door County, where she's helped bring 30 world premieres to the stage. Molly is also on the leadership team of World Premiere Wisconsin, planning now for the state's second festival year in 2026!
Alexis J. Roston (Choreographer) is honored to make her Skylight choreography debut. She was last seen with Skylight in The Hot Mikado as Pitti-Sing. Roston received her official Musical Theatre training at Howard University, where the mediums of acting, music and dance were regarded with equal reverence. Her professional choreography career began at the right hand of friend and colleague Rueben D. Echoles. Over many years, Roston served as assistant to his choreography genius at Chicago's Black Ensemble Theater.
Alissa Rhode (Music Director) returns to Skylight after serving as Associate Music Director for Newsies. She has worked for most of Milwaukee’s professional theatres and assisted in developing 20+ original musicals for Northern Sky Theater in Door County. Alissa is the composer of Girls On Sand, Sunflowered, Dairy Heirs, and Victory for Victoria. She holds a Bachelors in Music Composition, Masters in Liberal Studies, and is a proud member of ASCAP, Dramatists Guild, and Maestra Music.
Michael Unger (Artistic Director) Michael is the Artistic Director of Skylight Music Theatre in Milwaukee, WI. Some favorite projects there include: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Spring Awakening, Frankenstein, and Noises Off. He was previously the Associate Artistic Director of Off-Broadway’s York Theatre. For nine years, he was the Producing Artistic Director of NewArts, started in response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy; directing 17 productions working with over 650 area-children. He has directed benefit concerts honoring Susan Stroman, André DeShields, Maltby and Shire, and Leslie Uggams, as well as for the communities of Sandy Hook, CT and Parkland, FL.
Susan Varela (Executive Director) Originally from Milwaukee and a graduate of UW-Stevens Point, her professional career as a performer landed her in New York City for 20 years. She performed on Broadway in Les Misérables and at Radio City Music Hall in The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Other notable performances include Jo March in Little Women: The Musical; Grizabella in Cats and Eva Peron in Evita. Susan performed in world premieres at both the Denver Center Theater (for their Tony-award winning season) and the Yale Repertory Theater. Before joining the Skylight staff, she appeared on the Cabot stage in Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, The Wizard of Oz, and Les Misérables. Susan has produced, directed, performed and written for the stage and television alongside her husband, actor Andrew Varela. Susan currently serves on the board of directors for Brew City Opera and The Historic Third Ward Association. Susan is honored to be a new member of TEMPO - a group of executive women leaders from Milwaukee and SE Wisconsin.
About Skylight Music Theatre:
Skylight Music Theatre is a professional theatre company that produces high-quality musical productions that entertain, educate, and inspire. We are committed to providing a platform for local talent and showcasing the best of Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1959, Skylight is Milwaukee’s professional Equity music theatre company and the state's largest employer of Wisconsin actors. Skylight produces the full range of music theatre from blockbuster Broadway musicals to reimagined operas, and from exciting world premieres to contemporary off-Broadway hits. Skylight’s mainstage home is the Cabot Theatre in the Broadway Theatre Center, which was built by Skylight in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward in 1992. Considered to be one of Milwaukee’s most beautiful theatres, the Cabot Theatre is based on the design of an 18th-century French opera house. With just 350 seats it offers audiences great views of the action onstage and an undeniable connection with the performers. Skylight Music Theatre marks its 65th season in 2024-2025. Skylight Music Theatre is a proud Cornerstone Member of the United Performing Arts Fund.