Capitol Theatre, Sydney.
11 September 2024.
The most heavenly of musicals Sister Act has hit the Sydney stage this spring. Based on the 1992 film of the same name starring Whoopi Goldberg, the story is retold with all original songs composed by renowned film and theatre composer Alan Menken, and lyricist Glenn Slater. Full of groovy ’70s/Motown influenced tunes and cutesy humour, Sister Act is a fun, family friendly show.
The retelling of the story from the 1992 film is similar, where Philadelphia club singer Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder by her gangster boyfriend Curtis Jackson, which puts her in witness protection, in the one place no one would suspect, a dreary convent. She doesn’t really fit into the life of a nun, but when asked to help with the choir, her outlook changes and she revitalises a very tired and out of tune group of singers. As the choir grows in popularity, they gain the attention of the Pope and are asked to sing for His Holiness. A TV special about their pending appearance notifies Deloris’ gangster ex of her whereabouts, and the nuns come to Deloris defence in a classic slapstick chase around the church. Good triumphs over evil in the end, and along the way the nuns discover their voices, in more ways than one.
With all new and original music, it is at first a little jarring. The music sounds nothing like the original work we have all come to know and love, the soundtrack being a major feature of the film. However, the songs are catching and well-written, so once you can get past the ‘this is not the show I know’ aspect, there is merit in the songs being commissioned specifically to enhance the narrative of the musical theatre work.
Casey Donovan stars as Deloris Van Cartier, and she is the best thing about this show. Her incredible vocals pave the way for her portrayal of a fantastic leading diva. Donovan has greatly developed her portfolio, coming a long way since winning Australian Idol 20 years ago as a 16-year-old. She is now a true leading lady of Australian musical theatre. Her portrayal of Van Cartier is on point, and she is quite commanding each time she enters the stage, almost overshadowing theatre veterans Rhonda Burchmore (Sister Mary Lazarus) and Genevieve Lemon (Mother Superior), who both work well with their character’s quirky and sardonic personas, doing their best to shape roles that do not get too much of a look in compared to the lead role.
The beginning of the show seems almost amateurish, everyone trying too hard to define their character, but without much stage presence, and not much thought seems to be given to the through line, it’s very bitsy. The choreography (Alistair David) is kitsch, lacking subtly and flow, giving most of the first half of the show a high school production vibe. There is a humorous moment where Curtis (James Bryers) and his three sidekicks Pablo (Jordan Angelides), Joey (Tom Struik) and TJ (James Bell) sing ‘When Can I Find My Baby’ in their search for Deloris, but the choreography is so naff and stilted, as if created for performers who have never danced, which is not the case with this cast.
The show picks up once we get to the moment where the choir sings well for the first time, close to the end of the first act, with ‘Raise Your Voice.’ From here, the energy starts to lift, and we begin to see some cohesion of the story, character portrayal and pace.
The concept of sisterhood is strong throughout the show, and one of the best features overall. The way the nuns work together, bond and harmonise their way through the second half is a redeeming factor for Sister Act. It gives another layer to the name, the essence that underpins the narrative. Despite average staging, this element is quite moving. The choreography also improves as the show goes on, the choral numbers being David’s strongest scenes, bringing a variety of skill levels together and having them work as a cohesive group.
Costumes (Morgan Large) were a fun juxtaposition of glittery ’70s outfits, and black nun’s habits. Loud and proud versus simplicity and humility. The habits had a nice cut to them, with some pleats at the side to create a flattering shape, being respectful of the traditional full-length gown, whilst not making them look like a tent. Sets (also Large) went between the church and a club/back alley. There was some mergence at the end with the intricate patterning of the church going from being broken down to brightly colourful, and the Mardi gras vibe finale, with nuns in bright sequined habits, with Deloris in a stunning white sequin dress with a white fur, her dream outfit, and perhaps a statement in making peace with the church in her own way.
Sister Act is a light-hearted, family friendly show. It is definitely worth going if you want to experience a mature Casey Donovan nail her leading role. It was a fun experience, and with clean humour and an easy to understand narrative, this is a good first theatre experience for the kids, or perhaps a fun night out with the girls.
By Linda Badger of Dance Informa.
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