Sister Act Review
By Jake Freeman
Sister Act The Musical is based on the 1992 comedy film starring Whoopi Goldberg and the late Maggie Smith. It has already been a smash on both Broadway and in the West End. In Sister Act we meet Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer who reluctantly disguises herself as a nun when she’s forced into witness protection at a convent after she inadvertently witnesses her gangster boyfriend commit murder.
While masquerading as a nun she introduces the convent’s choir to the joys of Rock ‘n Roll and Soul. The choir rapidly becomes famous, and to the chagrin of the Mother Superior, pays off the convent’s debt and earns an invitation to sing for the Pope. The resultant fame also reveals Deloris’ whereabouts to her murderous boyfriend.
This production had a lot to live up to, standing up to such an iconic and beloved film and the good news is that it didn’t disappoint. Although no one was ever going to top Whoopi Goldberg as Deloris, Casey Donovan comes close. In her first starring theatre role, Donovan owned the stage from start to finish with her strong vocal energy, entertaining and sassy stage presence. It has been 20 years since Casey Donovan won the talent show Australian Idol at the tender age of 16. For nearly a decade, Donovan has been winning over audiences in a succession of major musicals.
OPENING NIGHT ATTENDEES
Genevieve Lemon was the perfect choice as Mother Superior, the stern head of the convent. Some of the funniest moments of the show included the interaction between Lemon and Donovan’s character’s, the antithesis of each other.
The supporting cast members were also brilliant. Rhonda Burchmore’s Sister Mary Lazarus rapping to old school hip-hop in Latin was hilarious.
But for me, Raphael Wong as Eddie Souther, the policer officer in charge of protecting Deloris was one of big highlights of the opening night. A true talent, romantic interest Eddie is an act on his own, a combination of both delightful physical comedy, amazing vocals, and dancing ability. In a memorable scene, “I Could Be That Guy”, he spectacularly transforms from an awkward and unconfident cop to a disco star and back again.
Complimenting the cast was the equally talented live orchestra who played the music throughout the show so flawlessly, led by Daniel Griffin. The music was based by Alan Menkin, whose other works includes Disney classics such as Beauty and The Beast and Aladdin. Some of my favourite numbers performed on the night included: “Take Me To Heaven,” “Sunday Morning Fever” and “Raise Your Voice”.
Happily, the show was highly entertaining and amusing and filled with plenty of colour, light, action, humour and great acting. If you are looking for a good theatre show to send out the year, then your prayers have been answered with Sister Act. Amen to that.
The Australian stage production of Sister Act The Musical is produced by John Frost and is directed by Bill Buckhurst. The cast is led by Casey Donovan as Deloris Van Cartier, Genevieve Lemon as Mother Superior and Rhonda Burchmore as Sister Mary Lazarus, Raphael Wong as Eddie Souther, James Bryers as Curtis Jackson.
Sister Act The Musical is now playing at The Regent Theatre at 191 Collins Street in Melbourne until and including Sunday 26 January 2025. The run time is 2 hours 30 min (including a 20-minute interval). The show contains theatrical haze, coarse language, sexual reference, adult themes, and some acts of violence. It is suitable for mature audiences. To learn more about Sister Act The Musical and buy tickets, go to www.sisteractthemusical.com.au
Production Photography by Sam Tabone.
Opening Night Photography Fiona Hamilton
