Sister Act

This production positively buzzed with energy and enthusiasm throughout. The Society has invested much time and effort in trying to ensure that this would be one of the greatest successes in their 90 year history and this is certainly the case.  House full notices were posted and the often less than demonstrative Harrogate audiences brought to their feet in standing ovations.

Securing the rights to perform the show attracted an excellent cast, many of them new to the Society, evidence that the choice of a more modern vehicle can inject new life.  Whilst I am always reluctant to single out individuals, Emma Swales, one of the newcomers, used her experience elsewhere to ensure that her leading character of Deloris had all the energy, colour and humour which the role demands.  It was also pleasing to see Naomi Bass and Richard Upton, both having progressed from junior membership with the Society, take on important parts, in each case commanding the stage in delivering their respective songs with confidence and aplomb. But the show was so well cast that these are only a few examples of its quality.  Scenery, never easy in this theatre, was also of a high standard, costumes sparkled (even the nuns’ habits on occasions) and the orchestra, for the first time under this M.D., created an excellent sound, exactly the correct combination of instruments for this piece. This was the Director’s first experience of this show but it must rank as one of the most successful in his considerable career.

Having been a little sceptical about the quality of some of these more modern musicals, I can only confess to having undergone the sort of conversion which is not inappropriate in a convent, whilst simultaneously enjoying an evening of effervescent Summer fun.          

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