Sister Act

‘Sister Act’ is a musical based on the 1992 film of the same name. It follows the same plot but with completely different music, which is by Alan Menken with lyrics by Glenn Slater. The stage show premiered in the West End in June 2009, produced by its star from the film version- Whoopi Goldberg. Following the film, the common casting choice was for Dolores to be played by a black woman, but this is not a requirement. Especially in amateur productions in N.Ireland, the leading lady is played by the best auditionee, no matter what skin colour.

In Belvoir Studio Theatre, the academy re-used the set from their previous staging of the same show – simple but effective painted “stained glass” windows all round with 2 tiers of risers in front of them. Three entrance/exits were stage left, right and centre, which were well used by the large cast as well as occasionally entering either side of the audience’s tiered seating. Props were quickly and efficiently moved by the backstage team and by costumed “altar boys” (there are very few male roles in this piece!)- although I felt that the Mother Superior’s desk was placed so close to the back set piece that she could hardly get in behind it! Costumes were like the “curate’s egg” – good in parts! Nuns were clothed in a wide variety of habits, but all culminated in very nice glittery ones at the end of the show The Monsignor’s amazing Finale costume far outdid the leading lady’s! Lighting was very effective and sound mostly good although I did think that not all principal mics were set at the best level.

The show opening, with Curtis and his ‘gang’ playing cards and taking little notice of Dolores and her backing singers (Julia Hamilton & Tess Gallagher) was very effective. Jake Bennett played the sleazy club owner Curtis with all the moves but was not completely convincing as a murderous thug! I could not quite understand why he shot his gun in the air to kill his gang member Ernie (Corey McReynolds) in the opening scene – it must have ricocheted off the ceiling!! Curtis’ gangsters – Joey, Pablo and TJ were played by Fintan Hughes, Alex Armstrong and Ryan Johnson. They made a great trio of  “thugs” – all trying to be menacing and “ladies’ men” but managing to be very funny – especially the one who looked barely out of primary school (great future there)!

I imagine that Georgia Watson has been waiting in the wings for just the right role to come along? This was it. She really impressed with a quietly confident performance as Mother Superior, containing great warmth and humour. In the convent were a terrific group of exuberant nuns. Holly Coey was confident as the young postulant, Mary Robert, who was curious about what she was missing by being in the sheltered atmosphere of a convent -  “The life I might have led”. Holly had strong vocals – perhaps a somewhat lighter touch might have contrasted nicely with the ‘adult’ nuns. As the oldest nun – Sister Mary Theresa – Matilda Davidson was credibly feisty although her “wrinkles” could have been more softly painted on (I’ve got the real thing, so I know!) The jolly nun – Sister Mary Patrick – was happily played by Emma Clarke. Always recognisable as the curious and boisterous one, Emma was true to form, with a beaming smile always on her face, whereas Aoife Murphy had the typical look of bewilderment as Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours - although she did enjoy the music and dance!  As Sister Mary Lazarus, Anna Hutchinson had to remain rather sour, although that inflexible music teacher is a great role to play! 

Other leading nuns were not specifically named but each one added character to the action, and the twenty odd chorus of jiving nuns sang their hearts out too. The very short appearances of a Drag Queen and The Pope (Marcus Rana & Ethan Harper) were suddenly there and then gone! Anyway, they got their names in the programme!!  The role of Monsignor O’Hara is often seen as an inconsequential one, but Conor Kelly captured the comedic aspect and almost stole the scene each time he appeared!

Many of the principal roles were shared between two actors – appearing in alternate performances. Doubling up were Catherine Lewis, Lucy Rose McKenna, Ella Coey, Emilie Orsi, Caspar Spence and Liam Johnson as Mother Superior, Sisters Mary Robert, Mary Patrick & Mary Lazarus, Monsignor O’Hara and Joey. I’m sorry I couldn’t catch everybody’s performance.

I am amazed that Belvoir Academy has so much talent that it can even cast 2 leading ladies! I saw Iona Clarke perform the principal role of Dolores – I’m sure that Megan McSorley did an equally impressive job on alternate nights! Iona was the wannabe Disco Diva who found herself inspiring a group of singing nuns and being inspired by them to change her attitudes. With very strong vocals, Iona was also a believable actress who shared great chemistry with all the cast. Her comedic timing was good, and she was also an accomplished dancer.

Choreographer Maeve Lagan (who has apparently risen from the ranks of the youth academy) brought plenty of energetic innovation to the dancing. Wilson Shields and his small band ,who have probably played this score many times before, managed to make the gospel, soul, motown and disco music still feel fresh and new. Shane Johnson and his assistant Ellie Wisoner directed a lively and pacey show which gave many of their academy pupils a chance to shine. The story – sometimes comedic, sometimes touching – was very well told.

As always, I was treated to a great evening’s entertainment by Belvoir Academy and would like to thank everybody involved in any way.

 

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