Sister Act Jr

Sister Act The Musical is based on the 1992 film and opened in the West End in 2009, with this Junior Production being a cut down version of the original musical.  It is wonderful that these Jr versions are available to Youth groups and schools. It gives these young people the opportunity to perform some great musicals, giving them confidence, team bonding and lasting friendships.  There was certainly lots of talent in this cast and we will watch out for them in future productions. As Lily says they are definitely the future of our amateur Societies, we need to inspire them all in the hope they will go forward to entertain us for generations to come.

The story is based around Deloris Van Cartier (Caitlyn Youngs) a nightclub singer who witnesses a murder. The cops place her in protective custody and she is sent to a convent where it is hoped her identity will not be discovered. She soon discovers she can breathe new life into these nuns with her singing and dancing talents as she inspires the choir.   Caitlyn certainly has the talent to pull this off with some excellent  solos and group numbers.  The cast of twelve nuns plus the ensemble are soon thoroughly enjoying their singing as the choir is transformed.  It is a strong cast  with some  brilliant harmony singing and great dancing.

With a cast of 37 ranging in age from 6 to 15  it is impossible to mention everyone by name. However mention must be made to other stand-out performances especially from Mother Superior (Ysabel Bloomfield) with a beautiful voice and  good characterisation.  The 3 main Convent Sisters  were played by Isabelle Martin, Violet Wheatley and Evelyn Wheatley.  Nathan Hawes plays Monsignor O’Hara, a great little cameo from him. Also with Joey, (Kit Widdup) TJ (Jacob Bland) and Pablo (Casper Martin) performing  ‘Lady in a long black dress’ which included a good  and confident solo from Joey. Honorable mention must also go to Connor Farman as Curtis and Jack Clarke who was Officer Eddie Souther with a great solo  ‘I Could Be That Guy’.

Indeed the whole cast gave enthusiastic and energetic  performances with their singing, dancing and acting and towards the end of Act 2 there was even some acrobatics.  Direction, musical direction and choreography was excellent throughout the numerous numbers. I understand that this was Charlotte Lamb’s first time as MD and congratulations must go to her. She can be proud of her achievements and the results this young cast produced.  Rehearsals didn’t begin till March  of this year and these ladies certainly brought out the best in their cast. Director, Lily,  also told me that everyone who had auditioned had been included in the cast and this in itself  gave all of those young people inspiration to shine and build their confidence.

The set looked very impressive with some enormous stained glass windows which had been hired in, and used as a backdrop to the performance. This had been lit very well with lots of deep purple lighting which set it off well. Pace was maintained well with some smaller pieces of set and props being brought in often by the cast. Costumes all looked good and must have been quite a task with such a large cast. 

Well done to Lily, her large cast and  numerous production team who gave us a very enjoyable evening’s entertainment to a good and supportive audience.  

The future of Company of Four looks to be in very safe hands.

Catherine Dixey,   NODA East, District 12 Representative

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