Sister Act

This has been a widely performed musical in recent years on the Am Dram circuit and is also very well-known from the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, but as usual this group put their very own stamp on things making for a vibrant and rousing evening!

Making use of the wide space with a simple set against the blacks, the band was placed DSR and the Mother Superior’s Office DSL, leaving a large central area to accommodate all the action, the large cast, and the various external and internal settings. The different scenes were  enhanced with back projection and assorted items of furniture were effortlessly brought on as required.

The opening number “Take Me to Heaven” made an instant impact introducing aspiring nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier as she auditioned in front of Curtis, the sleazy owner and his “hoodlum sidekicks”.

Unfortunately for Deloris she witnesses a murder at the club and pressed by local police chief “Sweaty Eddie”, who is sweet on her and fearful for her safety, goes into hiding in a local convent disguised as a nun!

When the action switched to  the convent it quickly became evident that Deloris’s arrival was going to “shake up” the status quo in no uncertain terms!

The Mother Superior, an earnest, pious and well sung performance, was very reluctant to her presence and was initially somewhat cold and stern, however her attitude  mellowed and she showed a warmth and kind appreciation by the end.

The nuns themselves were intrigued and interested from the start, giving them a glimpse of life “outside” and their interaction and reaction to Deloris gave  opportunity for some wonderful lines, “Is this how a Protestant feels?” for one!

Monsignor O’Hara was nicely played with the hint of an Irish lilt and displaying some “joie de vivre”. He was obviously more sympathetic and welcoming towards Deloris, particularly when she managed to transform the choir, which was truly awful, filling the congregation and effectively saving the convent from certain closure. His facial expressions were at times a delight!

The individual characters of the nuns, and the internal rivalry was clear from the outset, and  highlighted in the refectory chorus number with their rendition of “It’s Good to be a Nun”. 

Sister Mary Patrick was upbeat and smiley, while Sister Mary Lazarus was dour and gloomy but underwent a complete transformation later, boogying with the best of them! 

The young performer, just 15 years old, in the role of Postulant Sister Mary Robert, gave an outstanding performance showing uncertainty and doubt about her chosen path, which came across perfectly in “The Life I Never Led”, confidently and sincerely sung.

Of course, Deloris’s whereabouts were discovered eventually and Curtis’s sidekicks dispatched to do the dirty deed!

Curtis himself was convincingly portrayed by an experienced member of the cast and was well supported by his three “stooges” , each given their moment to “strut their stuff” in the spotlight.

Shy Sweaty Eddie came into his own to save the situation and win his girl –  another young member of the company given the opportunity to take on a leading role. He certainly had the audience on side with “I Could be that Man”.

Naturally, Deloris was the “lynch pin” of the action and gave a  stunning and charismatic performance, her warmth and energy simply spilling out into the auditorium.

The production just bowled along from start to finish with some particularly memorable moments along the way.

The “chase” sequence made for great fun, the nuns’ “pyjama” scene charming, and the ending to Act I with “Take me to Heaven” was just superb!

The final full company number  “Raise Your Voice”, made for a terrific ending, enhanced by the appearance of His Holiness the Pope!

This was a very busy and full-on show with lots of costume changes throughout, hobos, nuns, dancers etc. – life must have been very busy backstage!

Great thought and attention had obviously been given to the myriad of costumes as all were perfect for the characters, Curtis’s pin-striped suit was just right as were the individual outfits for his “sidekicks”. Uniforms where needed were spot on and Eddie’s amazing transformation scene went without a hitch!

Scene changes were smoothly handled, and the lighting and sound complemented the action, with a striking stained-glass window projection on occasion.

There was a slight technical hitch with the sound during the opening number and a couple of wardrobe malfunctions later, but everything was well handled, and it was the first night!

Under the practised eye of an experienced director and choreographer, together with an accomplished MD all made for a delightful, and very entertaining  production.

The talented band of musicians felt very much part of the show, their positioning was not intrusive to the  action in any way, and all the solo and chorus numbers were extremely well performed.

It was good to see some familiar faces from neighbouring societies joining the cast adding to the feeling that this was a very happy and supportive ship!

Well done HCTC again for an excellent, inclusive, uplifting and warmly received show!

 

 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what they see at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that their assessment will be affected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

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