Sister Act

Artistic Director and Producer, Sallianne Foster-Major, the Production Team and the fabulous young people of Easy Street Theatre Company really worked their magic with this production of Sister Act.  Musical Director, Gareth Lloyd, had encouraged the young people to excellently perform the numbers in the show and they were well supported by a live six piece band.  Choreographer, Amanda Tyas had designed great routines for the production numbers and clever movement for the solos.
I felt that the characterisation and the comedy timing by all the cast was super and they had worked hard to develop and maintain their characters throughout the show.  Deloris was confidently played by Anjolena Richards – a very impressive performance from this young woman.  Emma Nielson was infectious in her enthusiasm and energy for her role as Sister Mary Patrick.  Sister Mary Robert (Ella Jay Morley) gave a great performance and I particularly enjoyed her portrayal of the young postulant.  The part of Mother Superior was well played by Katherine Rice, who gave a very mature performance and commanded the stage during her solo numbers and when playing the over-bearing Mother Superior.  All four of these young women used their voices very well particularly during their solos and solo parts. Katie Staniforth (Sister Mary Lazarus), Megan Garner (Sister Mary Martin), Madeline Schofield (Sister Mary Teresa) and Jacob Bush (Monsignor O’Hara) completed the talent line up in the convent. 
Alex Flaherty, Jacob Broughton-Glerup, Joe McCartney and Thomas Baycroft (Curtis, TJ, Joey and Pablo respectively) were fabulous in their numbers as the band of haphazard gangsters.  They were very entertaining in their excellently choreographed routines – their singing and dancing was great - so ‘groovy’ and appropriate for the period.  Michelle and Tina were played by Milly Wainwright and Abi Cookson, who together with Ben Chadwick as Ernie ensured that the opening scenes let the audience know they were in for a treat.  Rhys Quinn showed great promise in the role of Eddie.
Everyone on stage demonstrated real enthusiasm for this production and the ensemble performed some super numbers.  I also enjoyed the vocal arrangements and noted that opportunity was given to many performers to use their skills and abilities.  The whole auditorium was used for several parts of the production and the young people were clearly very confident using all the theatre space.
The costumes were very effective and I loved the period designs.  The sequin adorned costumes of the finale gave the show a final boost – the costume team had clearly worked hard.  The production had a minimal set, but the stage management and swift changing of the scenes was well done with effective use of lighting both on and off stage.
Congratulations to everyone involved – a really entertaining and up beat production.
 

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