Based on the iconic 1992 movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act, The Musical launched in Adelaide to an enthusiastic reception. Everything about this production is big, bold, brash and beautiful. The story is as fresh as when the movie was released.
Casey Donovan stars as Deloris Van Cartier, a singer in a club managed by her sleazy married boyfriend Curtis Jackson (Adam Murphy). From the opening numbers “Take Me to Heaven” and “Fabulous, Baby!” with Deloris, Tina (Kayla Carter) and Michelle (Gabriyel Thomas), we can see the incredible musical talent on display. The story is set in 1968, and Curtis gives Deloris a tacky blue coat for Christmas. She throws it in the bin, accidentally witnessing Curtis and his henchmen killing a police informer.
She manages to escape to the police and policeman Eddie Souther (Raphael Wong) suggests hiding her in the nunnery, a place that no one would ever think to look for her. No one is particularly happy with this arrangement, including the dour Mother Superior (Genevieve Lemon), who believes in the idea of the Sisters of Perpetual Sorrow. Sister Mary Lazarus (Rhonda Birchmore) is in charge of the choir, with a sound “that words cannot describe.”
With dwindling attendance at the church, Monsignor O’Hara (Damien Bermingham) announces that the church is to be sold. However, Deloris has transformed the choir, increasing attendance and even attracting the attention of the Pope. As you can imagine, all’s well that ends well and the finale is a riot of colour and exuberance.
Costume and set designer Morgan Large has created a visual feast with her depictions of the contrast between the swinging sixties and the prim and repressed nunnery. The set is a massive decorated arch that seamlessly transforms between a sleazy nightclub to a gothic church. With a few lighting and prop changes, we are in a believable police office before suddenly in the cloisters. With so many actors and intertwined storylines, this clarity of who’s who and where we are is vitally important and is achieved perfectly.
An important part of any good story is character development and we see that in several places. Deloris has a new understanding of the power of the sisterhood despite having had a negative experience with the church in her earlier life. Mother Superior has an awakening that she can still devote her life to God yet praise Him at the same time. Shy Sister Mary Patrick (Bianca Bruce) also questions her devotion and faith and grows spiritually through Delores.
What makes this particular show so outstanding is the casting. It is hard to single out particular performances, as everyone plays their respective roles with verve and gusto. From Casey Donovan’s humorous portrayal of Deloris to Genevieve Lemon’s Mother Superior, everyone had a role to play. James Bell had some hilarious moments as the gangster TJ and Jake Ameduri stood out as an enthusiastic swing.
Sister Act is described as “A Divine Musical Comedy” and this production certainly lives up to that name. Everyone involved, from the orchestra to the expansive and talented cast, should be particularly proud of what they have achieved. An enthusiastic standing ovation during “Raise Your Voice (Reprise)” was a testament to this inspiring show. Truly spectacular and heartwarming.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
The reviewer attended opening night on 26th March
Sister Act, The Musical plays at the Adelaide Festival Theatre until April 19th before heading to Perth Crown Theatre
Tickets and more information here
Header image credit: Daniel Boud
