By Damiete Braide

Sister Act the Musical, the world-renowned theatrical piece, earlier scheduled for debut in Nigeria in December, will now be staged in Easter. The postponement, according to the producers, Ajibayo Akinkugbe Productions, a sister arm of the recently inaugurated Ajibayo Akinkugbe Foundation, is because of “circumstances beyond our control.”  The Producers however, promised that the shift in date would allow for greater outing during the festive Easter season.

Billed to be about the biggest musical production, starring an all-Nigerian cast in Nigeria, its planned presentation was met with high enthusiasm when it was first announced in February.

The AA Foundation said it took the difficult decision to postpone the production because of issues beyond their control even with the large support and interest from the general public, senior practitioners within Lagos theatre circuit, and interested sponsors.

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Head of the Ajibayo Akinkugbe Productions, who is Executive Producer of the Musical, said: “It is with much regret that we announce the postponement of our maiden project Sister Act the Musical.

“We started on this journey some three years ago, and since then, with the support of our collaborative partners, Cape Town’s prestigious Waterfront Theatre School, we have made strong strides and achieve many wins not least the successful Lagos audition held back in February which showcased some of the best and untapped talents in this country.

“Very early on, we were encouraged by the support of another one of our key partners in this project – The MUSON Centre. So, the deferral to next year Easter was both unavoidable and disappointing.  However, this move allows us the additional time to fine-tune the production to an even higher degree. And we remain confident that Nigerian production of Sister Act the Musical will electrify the Nigerian theatre audience and also platform the talents of many of our home-grown artists. We apologise for this delay; therefore, we would like to assure you that the show that next years show will be bigger and better!”

The show was previously scheduled for an 8-day run this December at the popular MUSON centre. Taken from the hugely successful 1992 film comedy of the same title, Sister Act is the story of Delores Van Cartier a former singer who witnesses the murder of her beau and subsequently has to take refuge in convent and disguise as a nun for her protection. The story gathers pace as Delores is told by the mother superior that the church is in need of some much needed funds, which triggers a series of warm, comedic and inspiring drama wrapped in some of the most memorable and soul stirring song and dance.