The Patriot Players at Patrick & Henry Community College opened their latest production, Sister Act, on May 30. The disco-infused comedy blended soul music and a convent setting in a lively onstage spectacle that had the audience cheering after nearly every number.
The two-hour performance marked one of the group’s more mature shows, with themes that may not be suitable for young viewers. Still, it drew an opening-night crowd of more than 100.
The story follows “Delores,” a lounge singer who finds herself hiding in a convent after witnessing a crime. Over time, she grows from a self-centered performer to a valued member of the struggling Covington community. The heart of the show emphasizes joy, transformation, and the power of chosen family.
“It’s a show about joy, resilience, and community,” said producer Devin Pendleton.
The performance ran smoothly, despite a few minor technical hiccups. “Tonight, during ‘Overnight,’ Eddie’s rip-away costume didn’t work. We’ve probably done it 50 times. This was the first time it didn’t work—he was supposed to reveal into white and then back into the cop look. But that’s live theater,” Pendleton said.
Pendleton also highlighted the regional talent involved in the production. “Folks ask me all the time, ‘Where do you get these folks? Are they professionals?’ They’re all right here—Martinsville, Eden (N.C.), Roanoke. They’re all local and regional,” he said.
Shelby Johnson, part of the ensemble, made her stage debut in Sister Act. “It was amazing. I had so much fun, and the crowd had so much energy,” she said.
Another newcomer, Alisha Winston, echoed the excitement. “It was really fun. I really enjoyed the cast members.”
Victoria Howard, who played the lead role, hadn’t planned on taking center stage. “I just wanted to dance and be in the ensemble,” she said. Her favorite number to perform was “Good to Be a Nun.”
Landon George, who played “Sweaty Eddie,” began his journey with the Patriot Players in “SpongeBob the Musical,” where he played Patrick Star. “My favorite part was hearing people’s different reactions—no night is the same,” he said.
Pendleton originally planned to produce Sister Act in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic put the project on hold. “It took five years for me to even flirt with wanting it to come back,” he said.
A tornado warning issued on opening night added another layer of tension. “I was like, we just need to get through the night. The show has to happen. It’s not Sister Act if it’s cursed,” he joked.
The production was sponsored by Sullivan Restaurants and Cunningham Tire. “Big thanks to them, because we couldn’t do it without them,” Pendleton said. “Folks think just because we’re at a college that we must receive massive amounts of funding. That’s incorrect—we receive zero dollars.”
Jamie Clark, a representative from Cunningham Tire, said the company was proud to support the arts. “As part of our 60th anniversary celebration at Cunningham Tire, we want to support the community—and especially the arts,” he said.
Upcoming performances will take place at the Walker Fine Arts Theatre at Patrick & Henry Community College, 645 Patriot Ave., Martinsville, on June 6 and 7 at 7 p.m., and June 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door and can be purchased online at https://phccpatriotplayers.square.site/.
