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The musical "Sister Act" is about a woman stepping into a new role in life, and the two women sharing the leading role for Hale Centre Theatre's production can identify well with that journey.

For Mack Seiler, this will be her first leading role; for Raven Flowers, it will be only the second time she has ever acted.

Seiler, 30, has performed a half-dozen times in supporting roles, but she is looking forward to taking center stage.

"This has been a wonderful experience, and it's a dream role of mine," she said. "It's a wonderful opportunity to share this story at this time. It's fun and moving — I get so emotional in this show. But it's wonderful and a lot of fun, and I'm so honored to be part of this production."

Singing has always been Flowers' forte, while acting is a new thing for the 21-year-old, whose only previous experience was in "Aida."

"Every time I go into an acting role, it's challenging. I've only done one thing, and I'm getting into the groove of acting," she said. "Jumping on that acting train is a lot different, but I always seem to find a way to get it down."

The two actors will split the role of Deloris Van Cartier, famously portrayed by Whoopi Goldberg in the 1992 Hollywood film version on which the play is based, during the more than 60 consecutive performances at Hale Centre Theatre from Oct. 12 to Dec. 3.

The musical, adapted from the film by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with music by Disney hit-writer Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater, is set in the late 1970s and the costumes get wilder and more colorful as the show progresses.

"Our talented team of professionals created an energy-filled show that will make you dance, laugh and reminisce about the '70s, with nightclub singers and disco dancing," said Sally Dietlein, Hale Centre Theatre vice president and executive producer.

One song in particular sticks with Seiler. In "Fabulous, Baby!," Van Cartier sings about her many qualities. Seiler wants the audience to connect with the song's message and apply it to their own lives.

"I hope people go out and know how fabulous they are. It doesn't matter what skin tone, body size or ethnicity you are. I hope it helps everybody realize that they're fabulous," she said. "I struggle with thinking I'm fabulous from time to time, and I hope for at least a couple of hours, every audience member feels fabulous about themselves."

That positivity has been easy to come by as the cast has gotten along so well. Flowers, who is new to Hale Centre Theatre, said many of the acting veterans have "embraced me and welcomed me to the Hale family."

Her co-stars include Betsy West and Elizabeth Hansen as Mother Superior; Kelly Coombs and Bre Welch as Sister Mary Robert; Brannon Killgo as Curtis; and Keith McKay Evans and Adam Millington as Eddie Souther.

"The show is really about love and loving one another and having tight bond of sisterhood," Flowers said. "I hope the audience takes away embracing everyone no matter who they are and where they came from. Just love one another." —

Hallelujah!

Hale Centre Theatre presents the musical "Sister Act."

When • Through Dec. 3; Monday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m., with Saturday matinees at 12:30 and 4 p.m.; no performances Oct. 31 or Nov. 24

Where • Hale Centre Theatre, 3333 S. Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City

Tickets • $32; $16 for children 5 to 11; no one under 5 allowed; hct.org or the box office