Drama Dock is all set to deliver a sizzling ‘Sister Act’
Published 1:30 am Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Vashon’s venerable theater company, Drama Dock, has a summer spectacular in the works: a new production of the soulful show “Sister Act,” to be performed August 21-24 at Vashon Center for the Arts.
The musical is directed by Drama Dock’s new interim artistic director, Kelly Godell, a theater-maker who made a name for herself in Portland’s thriving scene before heading north to work in Seattle and Vashon. Godell stepped into her new role in June, following the departure of islander Lisa Peretti, who had led the company since 2020.
“I’m honored to support this vibrant community of artists, audiences, and volunteers,” Godell said in a press release announcing her appointment on Vashon. “Together, we’ll build on Drama Dock’s rich legacy and create space for connection, creativity and meaningful theatrical work — and we’ll have a little fun doing it.”
Susan Hanson, board president of Drama Dock, described Godell as a perfect fit for her new job, citing her professional expertise and artistic brilliance.
“We are excited to execute her vision and share her passion for community theater with our island families,” said Hanson.
“Sister Act,” seen by millions when it first lit up the silver screen in 1992, is a feel-good musical that fuses disco, gospel and Motown to tell the comedic and heartwarming tale of a sassy lounge singer who is forced to hide out in a convent after being placed in a witness protection program. The movie, starring an incandescent Whoopi Goldberg, was eventually adapted into a hit Broadway musical.
Featuring a powerhouse cast of both on- and off-island talent, Drama Dock’s production will introduce island audiences to a rapidly rising star in the Seattle theater and music scene, Kiana Kendall, a fourth-year musical theater major at Pacific Lutheran University who recently starred as DeeDee Allen in “The Prom” at PLU.
In making her Drama Dock debut as Deloris, Kendall said she is ecstatic to play the leading role originated by Goldberg — a part she has dreamed about since she was a little girl. Better still? The chance to understudied by her younger sister, Vanessa Bassi, who also has a role in the show — making the show a true “sister act” in more ways one.
The cast includes another marvelous surprise.
Long-time islander Rowena Hammill, who has had a storied career as a cellist working in prestigious orchestras, chamber ensembles and in major film orchestras, will make her acting and singing debut in the highly comedic role played by Dame Maggie Smith in the film — the exasperated Mother Superior of the convent.
At a recent dinner held at a private home to introduce the cast, Hammill described herself as “terrified” to take on the role, but showed no signs of nerves or lack of theatrical chops as she winningly delivered up Mother Superior’s big number in the show, “I Haven’t Got a Prayer” — a highly comedic plea to God to return her convent to some semblance of normality.
The rest of the cast — playing characters ranging from soulful nuns to scheming gangsters, includes Zoey Wilson, Alex Drissell, Erika Stranberg, Dianna Daniel, Marjon McDermott, Gaye Detzer, Leonard Su, Michael Wishkoski, Gabriel Dawson, Damian Sevilla, Joquin Mackinster, Sue DeNies, Julea Gardener, Elizabeth Stephens, Diane Kutzke, Ruby Johnson and Cedar Henderson.
The musical director of “Sister Act” is Holly Boaz, a local soprano who has had a notable career in opera, oratorio, chamber music and small ensembles.
“We’ve got a whole heavenly host of talent ready to lift your spirits and shake the rafters,” said Hanson.
Evening performances of “Sister Act” at Vashon Center for the Arts will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 21-23, with matinees offered at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 23 and 24. Find out more and get tickets at dramadock.org.
