Sister Act

Once again, a high energy, and super slick production has left IDAOS with so much to celebrate. The fabulous well balanced band complimented every number and never overpowered. Quick and effective scene changes with a good lighting plot are to be commended too. Well rehearsed choreography of so many nuns, as well as for the smaller numbers, was made to look effortless for all involved. Star quality oozed  from a superbly cast company. Leading the show from the glittering start to the glittering finale was the larger than life character Deloris (Nicola Watt). She lived every ounce of this role and truly made it her own. As a strong actress and singer this massive role, with lots of vocal challenges, was handled with ease, as she created and was part of some of the show’s highlights. She shone from ‘Take me To Heaven’, opening with Tina (Rosie Graham) and Michelle (Ellie Hope), through the hit numbers, ‘Here Within these Walls’ and ‘Raise Your Voice’, with the amazing  harmonic support of the nuns chorus. By the interval the singing had certainly raised the roof. In act 2 her ‘Bless Our Show’ and the touching reprise of ‘Sister Act’, could be referred to as, ‘Fabulous Baby!’ Great credit must also go to one of IDAOS’s stalwarts and ex-leading ladies, who was tempted back to glow again in the role of Mother Superior (Pam Graham). Her natural acting ability and experienced singing made her the perfect character to hold the reigns in ‘Here within These Walls’, which is a superb number including Deloris and the nuns. Her well delivered and superbly heartfelt, ‘I Haven’t Got A Prayer’ was excellent and earned her worthy audience applause. Within the bevy of excited and excitable nuns, who were all exceptional in their choral numbers, were some absolute cameo gems. Sister Mary Robert (Lizzie Bell), with true star quality, wowed us with a stunning, ‘The Life I Never Led’.  She also took a lead, including comical Sister Mary Lazarus (Karen Wilson), during the hilarious and upbeat take on the Noviciate, in ‘It’s Good To Be A Nun’. Superb! Sisters Mary Patrick (Claire Bell), Mary Theresa (Shirley Bean) and Mary Martin-of-Tours (Leanne Young) were a true constant within the motivational leadership and choral strength of the inspired sisterhood. Not to be outdone by the superb female cast this year were a highly capable male presence. Curtis (David Paterson) gave a very strong performance as Deloris’s overpowering, crooked, bully of a boyfriend. Playing a strong character role he superbly led his three side-kicks during their smooth, Motown-like moves, in the ‘boy band’ type number, ‘When I Find My Baby’. TJ (Stewart Wilson), Joey (Roger Brydon) and Pablo (Colin Tweedie) were excellently cast as Curtis’s stooges. With superb use of the floor and great harmonic vocals, the three amigos had the audience in stitches at their suggestive ‘Lady in the Long Black Dress’. The dependable role of ‘sweaty’ Eddie (Douglas Russell) met all the character requirements and he certainly had his wonderful moment of glory as he strutted his stuff with the down and outs, producing three slick changes and a great rendition of ‘I Could Be That Guy’. Monsignor O’Hara (Jamie McCubbin) gave a very solid performance. Initially, the bearer of bad news, his upbeat turn around of support came with his spiritual belief in saving Queen of Angels through the music of Deloris’s inspired choir. Hallelujah! In the words of Queen of Angels nuns, the whole company should ‘rejoice’ and ‘celebrate’ a hugely successful production.

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