Sister Act Jr.

When disco diva, Deloris van Carter, witnesses a murder, she is put in a protective custody until the case goes to trial, in the one place she won’t be found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior, but once she is introduced to the struggling choir everything changes.

The central character Deloris was played with great strength by Tia Agyeman who could sing and move very well and the opening number ‘Take me To Heaven’ in a nightclub was a great punchy number that set the bar high for the rest of the show. Tia’s number with the street people ‘Fabulous Baby!’ was very good. The villain of the piece Curtis, was well played by Ben Branchett  and good support was provided throughout by Elijah Broadbent (Eddie), Seren Levett (TJ), Joe Stone (Joey), Grace Laurenson (Pablo), and Molly Branchett (Ernie).

Liv Dyde as Mother Superior gave a very confident performance, frequently at odds with Deloris which was played well and her number ‘Here Within These Walls’ was very pleasing. Beth Needham also had great presence as Monsignor O’Hara and Keyesha Khan projected great characterisation as Sister Mary Lazarus. I really liked Ceci Powell’s bright disposition as  Sister Mary Patrick. Good support too from Demi Delord as Sister Mary Martin Of Yours and Rosie Brooks as sister Mary Robert, initially somewhat shy but later brimming with confidence. ‘Raise Your Voice’ was a great number.

The opening number in Act 2 was ‘Take Me To Heaven’ when the nuns really let rip and I liked ‘I could Be That Guy’ led by Elijah (Eddie). I found ‘Sunday Morning Fever (Part 2)’ quite uplifting  with attitude and ‘Bless Our Show’ was another great number. Rosie then sang ‘The Life I Never Led’ with great feeling – excellent.

I must mention the technical hitch prior to the final number, not as a negative, but for the unruffled composure of the cast who were just ready to carry on. It also gave the opportunity for a second but brief cross over by the Pope played for all its worth by Tim Cook.

Throughout the production there were some amazing projections adding colour to an otherwise simple but effective set and costumes, lighting and sound made for an overall excellent production, directed and choregraphed by Leanne Cook .

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.