Vashon High School’s theatre arts program will present the Tony Award-nominated musical “Sister Act” this weekend and next.

VHS theatre arts teacher and director Stephen Floyd explained why he chose the show in a recent press release: “I read nearly 20 musicals this past summer, fall and winter before I found this one,” he said. “I liked its humor, its message, its characters.”

Featuring 25 VHS students both on stage and off, the strength of the theater arts program will be seen when 10 seniors — an unprecedented number — perform in this show. Several students have participated in the program for four years, the remainder for at least two years. The seniors will be honored at the Vashon Rotary Club benefit performance on May 13.

Sister Act is a feel-good musical comedy based on the hit 1992 film, with original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken, who scored “Beauty and the Beast” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” The musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including best musical.

When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, played by Sedona Deck, 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, played by Grace Brown.

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.

Senior Ellie Hughes plays the demure Sister Mary Robert. Hughes said the play is “fun and not complex, just silly and fun.” Senior Louisa Moody plays a young enthusiastic nun. Moody said she is “passionate about what she loves, and although we have very different beliefs, I can connect with her on that level.” Senior Brennan Barrett plays gangster Ernie.

“There are a lot of really fun songs, and I hope the audience can really get into it,” Barrett said.

Floyd hopes audiences will not only be entertained, but inspired by the musical’s core message to “spread the love.”

“I want people to share the love. I know that may sound hokey, but love is the essence of the world’s great religious traditions” he said. “Love is what makes us human. Everything that comes from love will never end, but the ripples spread throughout space and time.”

“Sister Act” is the 29th play Floyd has directed in the past 15 years at VHS. In June, Floyd will direct “#30,” an evening of short plays presented in the final week before the seniors graduate.