Sister Act

Sister Act follows the story of the film, but the score was written for the musical version. Over the last couple of years, it has become a box officer winner and has delighted audiences up and down the country. This production by Redditch Operatic Society left the audience in no doubt why this show is popular.

Following witnessing a murder, Deloris Van Cartier needs protection and where better to hide her but in a convent. Our night club singer has her work cut out not only fitting in with her fellow nuns but teaching them to sing rather better than they did in the past. Then having saved their convent, the nuns finally get to sing to Pope Paul VI.

The show contained good powerful singing and some polished choreography including the largest assembly of nuns I have seen in a long time! The big numbers such as “Take Me to Heaven” and “Raise Your Voice” were testament to this. The show was big, needing good quality and bright costumes and these requirements were met.

The lead character, Deloris Van Cartier, a not very successful entertainer who has spent years singing in rather downmarket night clubs and who has not had her big break.  She cannot even get a gig at her gangster boyfriend’s club! Laura Woodall, who played Deloris, sang her numbers very well and without fault. Audiences often have a preconceived expectation and this character is regularly played by an Afro – Caribbean actress.  This was not the case with this production.  Although not totally convinced the casting worked due to the actresses age and young glamourous looks she nevertheless delivered a confident and powerful performance.    

Elizabeth Bird shone as Sister Mary Lazarus. Her facial expressions during the initial rehearsals of the nuns could only be matched by the enthusiasm later in the show.  Well done on a convincing performance.

Lucy Traves as Sister Mary Roberts, the postulant nun (not what Deloris believed she heard!) was most suited for the role she played and delivered a fine performance.  Emma Sansom as Sister Mary Patrick who saw the good in everyone gave a bubbly performance.

Trying to keep control of the nuns was a rather exasperated Mother Superior seeking divine intervention regarding the whole situation. The role was played with strength of character by Eleanor Peberdy in her first show with the society who portrayed a believable performance. Eleanor sang with conviction, “I Haven’t Got a Prayer.” Sam Smith was an enthusiastic Monsignor O’Hara once out of his suit and wear in a cassock.

The gangsters lead by Curtis played by John Reeves with Matthew Bridgewater as Joey, Xavier Reeves as TJ and Ryan Allen as Pablo all delivered strong performances with a mixture of sinister undertones and light-hearted humour. On the tail of the baddies was Paul Mitchell as Lt Eddie Souther otherwise known as sweatie Eddie. Mitchell gave a convincing performance and sang, “I Could Be That Guy” well surrounded by many down and outs.   

The lighting was well done and provided the right atmosphere during many of the musical numbers. The band under the leadership of Joe George accompanied the cast well and enabled the cast to be heard when signing.

Congratulations to Redditch Operatic for bringing this hugely popular musical to life. I look forward to 2018 and your production of ‘White Christmas’.    

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