Reading Civic Theatre will be holding auditions for its upcoming production of the musical “Sister Act” on Saturday and next Sunday at its venue located at 4350 Perkiomen Ave., Exeter Township.
Auditions will be scheduled by appointment using Sign-Up Genius via the RCT website, www.readingcivic.org. Callbacks will be held on Feb. 1 in the evening, as needed. Casting requirements and audition materials will be available on the website. Anyone auditioning for this production must be at least 18 years old by the initial audition date.
There will also be a perusal night on Tuesday at the RCT venue for anyone interested in auditioning to receive additional information, details about the production and a chance to review the audition music.
“Sister Act” is a feel-good musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to its feet. Featuring original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (“Newsies,” “Beauty nd the Beast,” “Little Shop of Horrors”), this uplifting musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be a found: a convent. Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior.
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.
Filled with powerful gospel music and a truly moving story, “Sister Act” will leave audiences wanting more. The cast has roles for women of all ages, as well as several men who are certain to have audiences chuckling. A sparkling, reverent tribute to the universal power of friendship, “Sister Act” is reason to rejoice.
Perrformance dates for “Sister Act” are April 10-12 and 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.
In addition, RCT will open its 2026 season with the Berks County premiere of “Beetlejuice Jr”! The show will run for two weekends: Jan. 30, 31 and Feb. 1, and Febr. 6, 7 and 8 at Reading Civic Theatre.
This frightfully funny musical is based on the beloved Tim Burton classic turned Broadway phenomenon. Lydia Deetz is a strange and unusual teenager, still grieving the loss of her mother and obsessed with the whole “being dead thing.” Lucky for Lydia, she and her father move to a new house haunted by Adam and Barbara Maitland, a recently deceased couple, and Beetlejuice, a delightful demon with a real zest for life.
When Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse, this double-crossing specter shows his true stripes, unleashing a (Nether)world of pandemonium.
The production staff includes Samantha Grinage as co-director and choreographer along with Jeannette DeAngelo as co-director and producer, with musical direction by Patrick Grinage, stage management by Matt Allen, set design and construction by Gene Hole, costuming by Carolyn Smith and technical direction and lighting design by Brandon Kegerize.
Ticket prices are $20 for students under 18, $25 for seniors 65+ and $30 for adults and are available online at readingcivic.org.
The cast features Logan Allen, Daria Orphanos, Eleanor Pretz, Liam Kadas, Harper Kozuch, Jeremy Ortiz, Jaydeanna Garcia, Finley Hunter, Lewis Humphries, Audrey Bokosky, Dahlia Grill, Aria Skelly, Aurora Kiem, Brianna Boyles, Eliese Bortz, Gianna Cavallucci, Holly Lange, Janysha Martinez-Rios and Lillian McCord.
Film
The award-winning short film “4th Dementia,” starring Caroline Aaron (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) and Bill Irwin (“Sesame Street,” “Interstellar”), will premiere on Monday on Omeleto, https://www.youtube.com/omeleto, a global platform known for spotlighting exceptional short-form storytelling.
Directed by Ian Wexler and written by Brooklyn comedy collective Dinner for One, which includes Reading native Ally Condrath, “4th Dementia” offers a bold, revisionist take on Alzheimer’s disease, one that imagines what might exist in the spaces between memory, identity, and perception.
With nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, the disease touches almost every family directly or indirectly. Yet most screen portrayals remain narrowly tragic. “4th Dementia” uses comedy not to trivialize the disease but as a tool for empathy, giving a voice to those often erased by illness.
What begins as an uncomfortable birthday visit for Nellie, an Alzheimer’s patient in a nursing home, fractures into a multiversal journey through alternate versions of her life, where she becomes everything from a film star to a crime boss. “4th Dementia,” which also features Reading native Maddie Mel in the cast, is an absurd and heartfelt story about finding your way back home, even if you can’t remember where that is.
The result is a daring tonal balancing act, a comedy that is simultaneously absurd, devastating and deeply cathartic.
“’4th Dementia’ is a tricky comedy that has to walk a very fine tightrope,” wrote Medium. “Thankfully, they pull off the deed quite admirably, making a film that’s equal parts silly and emotionally devastating… Caroline Aaron’s presence demands that the subject matter be treated with due respect and seriousness intercut with the abject silliness on display.”
The film’s emotional impact has struck a chord with audiences and critics alike, particularly those with personal experience of dementia.
“Watching my mother deteriorate from dementia contained several of these moments where she would pass in and out of reality,” the Medium review continued. “’4th Dementia’ gives us a funny yet profound guess at what might exist in those gaps — and I’m grateful for it.”
Game night
The WCR Center for the Arts, 140 N. Fifth St., Reading, has announced the launch of Game Night, a monthly community gathering designed to bring people together through fun, connection, and creativity.
The inaugural Game Night will take place on Monday from 6:30-9:30 p.m. and will continue on the second Monday of each month. Guests are invited to enjoy a relaxed evening of board games and screen-free fun.
Whether attending with friends, family or on your own, Game Night is designed to be an easy, low-pressure way to unwind, meet new people and rediscover the joy of games. A variety of board games will be available, and participants are also welcome to bring their favorites to share.
“I’ve loved board games ever since I was little, and in fact, you’ll be surprised when you come to Game Night by just how many I personally own — and am happy to share with you!” said Adam Void, executive director of the WCR Center for the Arts. “As a theater person, I’ve learned through training and experience that there’s a lot of value to play, and it’s something that we tend to lose as we become older.
“Add to that the growing movement of people, and especially youth, who are reexamining their relationships to media, technology, and screens and looking to find alternative ways to stay engaged, connected, and find joy. That’s why I’m so excited to see Game Night at the WCR. I can’t wait to see you there.”
All ages are welcome, with a suggested donation of $5. Youth 15 and under must attend with a parent of guardian. Free pre-registration is encouraged to help with planning: https://square.link/u/3RQ4saN5.
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