American actress Wendy Makkena, who played Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act 1 and 2, visited JCG this week as the College’s Youth Theatre took the stage with the musical inspired by the movie.

Wendy spent time with the cast and crew for a Q&A discussing her career and aspirations before watching the show – for which all performances were sold out - that evening. 

Since her part as the shy nun in the 1990s musical, alongside Whoopi Goldberg as the irrepressible Deloris Van Cartier and Dame Maggie Smith as the Mother Superior, Wendy has appeared on various tv shows and movies such as ‘Air Bud’, ‘State of Play’ and more recently ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’ starring Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers. 

Our Principal, Carl Howarth, said: “Getting to meet one of the stars from the original Sister Act movies, which inspired the musical, will be an incredible experience for our students. “They have all been working extremely hard over the last few months to put together the show, under the brilliant direction of Caroline Stone, our Head of Drama, and John Bowley, our Head of Music.” 

Caroline Stone, our Head of Drama and Director of the show, said: “‘Sister Act’ marks the first time JCG Youth Theatre has done a musical since 2019. With a cast of nearly 50, a crew of up to 25 and a live band, it promises to be an amazing run of performances. After the movie captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, with its hugely positive message of looking after those in need and raising your voice in celebration and joy, it became a musical in 2006. All numbers were written specifically for the stage show, and to say they are complex would be a huge understatement. Our students have been incredible.” 

Wendy Makkena stated, "Music has the power to bring people together, heal hearts, and create miracles. Sister Act reminds us that when we find our true passion and share it with the world, amazing things can happen. I am so looking forward to seeing this show by the JCG and meeting the cast and crew.”