Alamogordo Town News Theatrical Review: A Glorious Burst of Joy: Sister Act Celebrates Alamogordo’s Talent and Spirit

★★★★★ HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

There are nights when you leave the theater with your heart soaring and a smile you can’t wipe off your face.

The Alamogordo Music Theater’s production of Sister Act at the Flickinger Center is exactly that kind of evening—a celebration of our community’s extraordinary talent, infectious joy, and the transformative power of theater created by neighbors for neighbors.

This Tony-nominated musical comedy, based on the beloved 1992 film, could easily have been a simple retelling. Instead, under the spirited direction of Jeanette Borunda, it becomes something genuinely magical: a high-energy, feel-good experience that reminds you why you love live theater—and why you should support it passionately.

Our Stars Shine Bright

Rosie Daffern’s performance as Deloris Van Cartier is revelatory. This Alamogordo talent commands the stage with star quality, bringing the perfect blend of sass, vulnerability, and showstopping vocals. When this disco diva first arrives at the convent, the contrast is hilarious, but Daffern mines genuine character development from Deloris’s journey—her transformation feels earned, not forced. Her voice is powerful and precise, perfectly suited to Alan Menken’s dynamic score. This is the kind of performance that makes you proud to call her a neighbor.

Sarah Harshey’s portrayal of the formidable Mother Superior is equally stellar. Harshey brings warmth, nuance, and subtle humor to a character that could easily fall flat, creating a Mother Superior who is both stern and deeply human. The chemistry between Daffern and Harshey is one of the production’s true delights—you genuinely believe in their contentious but ultimately loving relationship.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Loren Jackson brings gravitas and charm to Monsignor O’Hara, while Pary Bennett and Nick Harshey create a believable criminal underworld subplot with surprising depth and comedic timing. These local performers elevate every scene they’re in, proving that Alamogordo has world-class talent right here in our own backyard.

A Convent Full of Heart and Alamogordo Soul

The ensemble of convent sisters shines brilliantly. Bella Ochoa as Sister Mary Robert, Amy Bethard as Sister Mary Patrick, Robin Milne as Sister Mary Lazarus, Renee Hirte as Sister Mary Theresa, and Mary Lynn Bardocz as Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours create a genuine sisterhood that’s both touching and thoroughly entertaining. Watch how these performers interact: this is clearly a cast that has bonded, rehearsed together, and genuinely cares about telling this story. That authentic connection translates beautifully to the audience.

But the heart of this production extends far beyond the convent walls. The supporting cast members—Tyler Wren Hutchens as TJ, Gabe Mauger as Joey, Chris Medina as Pablo, Ardrianna Sharp as Michelle, Cory Nielsen as Tina, and Elijah Strickland as Ernie—each bring specificity and life to their roles. These are our community members, many of whom work day jobs, volunteer for causes, and live on our streets. Seeing them transform into fully realized characters on stage is a gift.

The Ensemble: Alamogordo’s Heart on Display

And then there’s the ensemble—the true backbone of this production: Clifford Cabos, Chance Cass, Patrick Cruz, Hannah DeLay, Isabelle Furman, Katie Grabowski, Anthony Hayman, Kierstin Johnson, Amelia Lehmuth, Trinity Lipsey, Aiden Mai, Crystal Morris, Beck Natalini, Jeremy Patton, Kitanna Pichay, Kayla Sandoval, Zachary Stewart, Jonece Tallant, Rebecca Ward, Priscilla Weber, and Dakota Zapata.

These thirty-plus performers create the texture and energy that makes this production feel truly alive. The ensemble work is tight, the choreography is crisp, and the harmonies showcase the breadth of vocal talent in Alamogordo’s theater community. When you watch this group move across the stage together, you’re witnessing the true spirit of our town—people who come together, support each other, and create something beautiful.

The Music and the Message

Alan Menken’s score is as charming and accessible here as ever, and the live orchestration brings richness to every number. From the opening “Raise Your Voice” to the joyful chaos of the final act, the music propels the story forward with infectious energy. The standout “Sister Act” number is a showstopper that will have you grinning from ear to ear and likely humming for days afterward.

Why This Matters: Community Theater as a Community Treasure

In an age of streaming services and passive entertainment, there’s something profoundly important about gathering together to watch live performance created by people we know and love. The Alamogordo Music Theater, now in its 54th year of operation, represents something irreplaceable: a space where artists can flourish, where creativity thrives, and where community bonds strengthen.

This production is a testament to what happens when talented people invest their time, energy, and passion into something greater than themselves. Behind every performance on that stage are countless hours of rehearsal, countless moments of vulnerability, and countless acts of commitment. These are neighbors supporting neighbors. This is culture, created locally, for our community.

The Flickinger Center provides the perfect setting for this production—an elegant venue that elevates the theatrical experience while remaining accessible and welcoming to all. When you support local theater like Sister Act, you’re not just buying a ticket; you’re investing in the cultural vitality of Alamogordo, supporting the arts education initiatives that the Alamogordo Music Theater has championed for over five decades, and providing opportunities for young people to discover the transformative power of performance.

Entertainment for Everyone—A Gift for Our Community

What makes this production special is how it works on multiple levels. If you loved the original film, you’ll appreciate the cleverness of the adaptation and how the story expands with music. If you’ve never seen it, you’ll find yourself swept up in a story about acceptance, redemption, and the unexpected ways people can inspire each other. There’s humor for adults, heart for everyone, and pure fun throughout.

This is also a show that the whole family can enjoy together—grandparents, parents, teenagers, and children all leave the theater smiling. In our complex world, that’s a rare and beautiful gift.

A Testament to Who We Are

Sister Act showcases what Alamogordo is truly capable of. We have talent here. We have dedication here. We have people who care about excellence and community. This production proves it night after night. When you watch Rosie Daffern transform the stage, when you hear the convent choir soar through a Menken melody, when you see the entire cast come together in that joyful finale—you’re witnessing what happens when a community believes in itself and its artists.

Final Verdict

Sister Act is exactly what you need right now: an evening of laughter, stunning performances by your neighbors, beautiful music, and the reminder that magic happens when a talented community comes together to create something joyful. Leave your house. Come to the Flickinger Center. Support the people who live on your street and share your community. You will leave smiling, uplifted, and grateful to live in a place with this kind of artistic heart.

Why You Should Go: Because live theater created by your neighbors lifts the spirit in ways that screens cannot. Because community talent deserves celebration and support. Because you’ll leave smiling and humming “Raise Your Voice” for days. Because Alamogordo has something special to be proud of. Because this is your community’s theater. Because every single person on that stage is your neighbor, your friend, your community—and they deserve your support.

Sister Act runs through August 8, 2026, at the Flickinger Center for Performing Arts. Performances are at 7:00 PM (Friday and Saturday) and 2:00 PM (Sunday Matinee). Tickets are $15.48.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.alamogordomusictheatre.org or call (575) 437-2202.

Support local. Support the arts. Support your community’s artists. You won’t regret it.

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