You don't have to be an alumnus of a Catholic elementary or high school in the 1950s to appreciate the humor of "Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?," but it helps.

Toniaray DiGiacomo of Hampton, who plays Sister Lee in the musical production opening this weekend at the Theatre Factory in Trafford, also has played the role of "the little mean nun who has everybody shakin' in their boots" for South Park Conservatory Theatre and the former Canterbury Theatre in McKees Rocks.

She says she always hears the same reaction from audience members after the show.

"I get so many people who say things like, 'I had a Sister (as a teacher) just like you,'" the actress says. "This musical takes them back to a softer time of life and brings back some fond memories of when they were kids. It's a heartwarming story."

Based on John Powers' 1975 best-selling book of the same name, "Black Patent Leather Shoes" explores the trials and tribulations of a parochial education and the humorous aspects of adolescence, focusing on first confessions, patron saints, sex-education classes, teacher's pets and more.

Eddie Ryan -- played by Joe Graff, a teacher at Mars Area Middle School -- narrates the musical memories as he returns to St. Bastion's to find his first love, Becky Bakowski, portrayed by Hannah Jo Weisberg of Monroeville. The best friends went their separate ways when Becky decided to join the convent.

Directing the production is Erin Stetor of White Oak, who has played the leading role of Becky in past productions of the musical for McKeesport Little Theater and Canterbury Theatre. She follows in the footsteps of her mother, former actress and director Rita Kelly, now of Ocala, Fla., who directed local productions of "Black Patent Leather Shoes," including at McKeesport Little Theater.

Stetor says the musical is "a really silly show," and touching, too. "When I was in the show, I'd look out at the audience, and they'd be in tears. The author was extremely clever with the lyrics and the script."

Stetor directed musical theater shows at McKeesport High School for three years and acted in McKeesport Little Theater productions, including "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" and "Annie." She played the leading role of Rose in Theatre Factory's production of "Gypsy" and also appeared in "Red, Hot and Cole."

Rounding out the cast of "Black Patent Leather Shoes" are Sean Flaherty of McKees Rocks as Father O'Reilly; Victoria Brady of Plum as Virginia Lear; Chris Harley of McKeesport as Mike Depki; Neil Rushnock of Pittsburgh as Felix Lindor; Katie Aiello of North Huntingdon as Nancy Ralansky); Alaina Harvey of White Oak as Mary Kenny; Matt Reiser of Greenfield as Louie Schlang; and Deborah Bender of Pitcairn as Sister Helen.

Additional Information:

'Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?'

When : Saturday through Dec. 21. at 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays

Admission : $18; $16 for senior citizens and students. Dinner-theater packages and group rates are available.

Where : Theatre Factory, Cavitt Avenue and Third Street, Trafford

Details : 412-374-9200 or online

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