BENTON HARBOR — The Lake Michigan College Performing Arts Department has announced audition dates for its spring production, “Sister Act,” the musical comedy smash featuring original music by Tony-and-eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken.

Auditions will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22 and Wednesday, Jan. 23 in The Mendel Center Hanson Theatre on LMC’s Benton Harbor campus.

“’Sister Act’ is going to be a blast,” said Paul Mow LMC theatre coordinator and stage director. “We can’t wait to get started with this music that will make the cast, crew, orchestra and audience jump to their feet. ‘Sister Act’ was nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Musical. Come to these auditions, as I plan to cast dozens of excited singing nuns.”

With lyrics by Glenn Slater and book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner, “Sister Act” is based on the 1992 hit film starring Whoopi Goldberg. When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the police are sure she won’t be found — a convent. Disguised as a nun, she quickly finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and the uptight Mother Superior. Using her dance moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. As the gang gives chase, they soon realize they are not only going up against Deloris, but the power of her newly found sisterhood. The cast is chock full of roles for women of all ages and is a tribute to the universal power of friendship.

“You may recognize the story from the movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, but this uplifting and soulful score is by the incomparable Alan Menken,” said Kristopher Zook LMC music director. “He created the music for ‘Disney’s Little Mermaid,’ ‘Hunchback of Notre Dame,’ ‘Aladdin,’ ‘Pocahontas’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Join us for an incredible musical theatre journey that is praise-worthy and promises to keep you moving.”

Those auditioning should bring at least two contrasting selections of 32 bars of musical theatre to perform from memory. An accompanist will be provided, so please bring sheet music as well.

Performance dates are 8 p.m. March 22 and 23, and 3 p.m. March 24 on The Mendel Center Mainstage. “Sister Act” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

Those interested can contact the Lake Michigan College Performing Arts Department at (269) 927-8876 or visit lakemichigancollege.edu/arts to learn more about the college’s performing and visual arts programs.