Bishop Zubik Makes On-Stage Appearance In Local "Sister Act"

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A new stage and a new role for Pittsburgh's Catholic bishop — Bishop David Zubik made an appearance in a local production of the musical "Sister Act" Thursday night.

There were opening night jitters at the Byham Theater for the musical "Sister Act," but divine intervention brought thrills and cheers from the crowd as an actor by the name of Bishop David Zubik stepped onto the stage.

"Sister Act" takes place in a convent that's losing money and is about to be closed and sold. Sound familiar? A troubled woman who takes refuge in the convent saves the day. Enter the bishop, and the crowd roars.

The bishop is played by the bishop. His one line is, "His holiness, Pope Paul the Sixth." After that, the bishop does a couple of dance steps with the cast. He says he's honored to be part of the show.

"I said, 'Why not?'" Bishop David Zubik said. "I think it's important for people to see that we can be joyful and laugh as part of religion. You know, this is a player that I think is respectful."

The bishop was a real trouper. He went to rehearsal and even took part in warm-up exercises.

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And it was clear the cast loved having him on stage for his one-time-only appearance. The bishop even has his own head shot. Backstage, KDKA-TV's Paul Martino asked if he was nervous.

"No, I'm not really," he said. "Last night I was. That was the first time to try to do it."

Don't worry, Bishop Zubik promises to keep his day job.

"Sister Act," by the Pittsburgh Musical Theater company, runs through March 26 at the Byham Theater.