Sister Act

Tonight, I had the pleasure of visiting NADOS again for their production of Sister Act.  It’s hard to believe that this production went ahead, as a few weeks ago, NADOS lost their venue due to unforeseen circumstances.  After a frantic few weeks, they found a new venue and they have produced a sell out show. 

Like the movie, Sister Act tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier who, after witnessing her boyfriend killing someone, goes into witness protection until the trial.  Where better to hide and be inconspicuous than a convent for nuns?  Unfortunately, Deloris becomes head of the choir of nuns and quickly finds herself on television for her efforts – where she is seen by her gangster boyfriend.  Sister Act the musical is different from the film as it has its own soundtrack.  Most of the numbers are quite catchy and the audience tonight were tapping along to the songs throughout. 

Sister Act was directed by Andrew Marsh.  I liked Andrew’s vision for the show.  He had some great ideas for the look of the show, which was visually brilliant.  I personally would’ve preferred a little more light and shade - with the more serious moments being played with realness and integrity.  This would’ve been a nice contrast to the campery that we were treated to in the ensemble scenes.  This is only my personal preference and in no way distracted from the fun that the audience were treated to.

David Wall was in charge of Musical Direction.  The band were situated at the back of the audience.  I thought that this might negatively impact on the sound quality, but this was a great idea and they sounded very well throughout.  Considering they were behind the audience, the band did well to keep tempo and the cast were able to see the MD from the back.

Choreography for this show was by Lisa Griffiths.  I enjoyed the choreography very much.  It was used throughout the show to convey comedy and this was appreciated not only by me, but the audience too.  I appreciate that it must be difficult to choreograph for such a large cast in such as small space, but it worked. 

The set and costumes for this production were excellent.  They made the show to be a visual treat.  The set was constructed by Jonathan Barnham.  I believe that the director, Andrew Marsh, had a vision and Jonathan Barnham made is possible.  The set design was very clever as the space was very limited.  The cast and crew were able to manipulate the set-in various ways in order to convey different locations.  The costumes were equally brilliant.  A special mention has to go to the costumes for the nuns.  Well done to the costume team and The Boyz (Costume Makers).

For me, the lighting was great overall.  The was the odd follow spot that was slightly late, but I doubt members of the audience even noticed.  I loved the colours that were used throughout – they were apt and added another dimension to the scenes.  The sound was generally good.  I felt that some of the cast’s mics should’ve been altered, particularly when they were shouting.  Overall, there was a good blend between cast, band and the audience.

Deloris Van Cartier was played by Mica Sefia.  Mica did very well to play the sassy Deloris and commanded the stage.  Personally, I preferred the more vulnerable side to Deloris (Sister Mary Clarence).  It showed off Mica’s voice and acting more and drew the audience in.  It’s clear that Mica is a good singer.  If I was to be really picky, I would’ve preferred to hear Mica use her chest voice/belt a little more than she did but nevertheless, she played her role very well.  One of the highlights for me was the song ‘Sister Act’ – sang beautifully by Mica.

Mother Superior was excellently played by Lisa Griffiths.  I liked the portrayal of this character and enjoyed the way that Lisa was a good contrast to the other nuns; playing her role with truth.  Lisa has a great singing voice and I enjoyed her rendition of ‘Here Within These Walls’ very much.

Sister Mary Patrick was played by Emma Benson.  Emma was one of the highlights for me.  I loved her commitment to character and Emma had the audience in the palm of her hand with both her acting and wonderful soprano voice. 

Sister Mary Robert was played by Neeve Dilworth.  Neeve did very well vocally and has a great voice.  I enjoyed her version of this character and she had a great rapport with Deloris and the other nuns.

There are far too many other nuns to mention in this review, but I have to mention the brilliant Wendy Cox who played Sister Mary Lazarus.  She played the role with truth and tenacity and because of that, it made her character so much more believable and funny!  I was thoroughly entertained by the nuns throughout and it was clear that the audience were also. 

Andrew Marsh played the role of Eddie Souther – the cop schoolfriend of Deloris who has the ingenious idea of hiding her in a convent.  I liked Andrew’s version of this character.  He played it as a slightly geeky, love interest and it worked.  Andrew had the right amount of comedy and sincerity for this role and showed that he has a great singing voice also.

Curtis Jackson and Monsignor O’ Hara were played by Chris Roberts and Garry Williams respectively.  Whilst these roles are quite 2d on paper, there is a lot of scope for playing them with truth and sincerity.  I felt that these versions were played more like a caricature rather than rounded characters.  This is my personal preference – the audience certainly enjoyed these performances and laughed in all of the right places.

I enjoyed the roles of TJ. Joey and Pablo (played by Alex Hayden, Jon Kennedy and Deni Griffiths).  They were suitably camp, suitably funny and suitably great movers and singers.  They brought a good stage presence and the audience loved them a lot!

Overall, I enjoyed this production.  I appreciate that the venue was a last-minute change which affected the show.  I know that The Boyz (the costumes) and Music Theatre International (the scripts and scores) were very accommodating, which allowed this piece of theatre to go ahead.  The set and costumes were brilliant and used very well throughout.  I loved the choreography and the singing (particularly the soporano’s) and it was a fun filled evening.  Well done to all involved in making this show a success.  I wish NADOS well in finding a venue for their youth production of Little Shop of Horrors and I look forward to being invited back for Panto!!    

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