This weekend, Northern Chautauqua Catholic School will be presenting their annual school musical. This year the school has taken on quite the musical challenge with “Sister Act Jr.” Performances are at 7 p.m. today, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday.

“The greatest challenge each year is deciding on the right show for the right kids, but this year, we had the perfect cast for this joyful show,” says musical director and head of advancement, Janie Villella-Sharon. “I have been directing and choreographing musicals for schools and professional theaters for 15 years and the experience I have with the special students of NCCS is second-to-none. They are always so excited to learn and that enthusiasm always comes out in their performances.”

Based on the hit 1992 film and Tony-nominated Broadway musical, ”Sister Act Jr.” is the feel-good musical comedy that will have audiences jumping to their feet! Featuring original music by Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), 

When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier (Cassie Mancuso), witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior (Gianna Valone). Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood. Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing, and a truly moving story, ”Sister Act JR.” will leave audiences breathless. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, ”Sister Act JR.” is a reason to rejoice.

The musical at NCCS includes students from grades four to eight. Every student is given the opportunity to participate in the show where they are comfortable, on stage or off. “It’s more than just putting on a great show, it’s the students learning something new and really showing dedication and pride in what they do. That’s one of the most amazing things about doing shows here at NCCS; the kids are learning a multitude of skills that they will then carry with them far beyond their time here at Northern Chautauqua Catholic School,” Villella-Sharon said.

“The musical at NCCS is like a little family. Everyone works together to put on a great show and we get to be with students from all across the prep school that we wouldn’t normally get to be with,” said Aria Marquez and Gianna Valone, eighth-graders and featured performers in “Sister Act, Jr.” “The fact that this is my last NCCS musical makes me so sad, but I have learned so much from Ms. Janie that I will take with me to high school and beyond. I am so grateful for my experiences here at NCCS,” said Cassie Mancuso, 8th grader.

Tickets are available online at https://nccschool.seatyourself.biz or you can purchase them at the door. All proceeds from ticket sales go to the furtherment of the musical and educational programs at Northern Chautauqua Catholic School.