Sister Act Jr

From the off with a rousing Take me to Heaven, this Senior Youth Section sparkled in song and movement. The youngsters explored the storyline of Deloris Van Cartier who in trying to be a successful nightclub singer, witnessed a murder by her so called boyfriend / nightclub owner and had to be placed in protective custody for her own safety - in a convent. Isla McIntosh took on this famous role of Deloris with confidence and understanding. Her singing was clear and true as was her diction. For one so young she conveyed her realisation at the end that success comes in different guises and places. Her strength of character was matched by Becca Tait as a devout and tetchy Mother Superior. Her singing was sincere and heartfelt. Their clashes were comedic but she too came to a new understanding of life. Cohen Gurung embodied the scaly, slick and ruthless Curtis nightclub owner in direct contrast to Lauren Fish the loyal and honest police officer Eddie. All the Sisters were a hoot especially their opening discordant chorus - not an easy task to accomplish – setting our teeth on edge, but under Deloris’ tutelage, they became a wonderful harmonious tour de force. The quick and grouchy characters and comments of Sister Mary Patrick, Layla Rutkiewicz, and Sister Mary Lazarus, Sophie Gilland, were performed with great timing and commitment while as Sister Mary Roberts, Carice Baillie developed from the shy novice to courageous champion of Deloris in front of our eyes. Zack Reid took on his role of Monsignor O’Hara with serious commitment trying to bring Mother Superior into a modern world to save the convent. So well did the youngsters perform that I was not the only one who became a bit emotional at the end. In all the minor roles of gangsters, altar boys, angry street person, nuns and street people, everyone gave a polished performance. The ensemble numbers raised the roof and the energetic and successful movement of so many on a restricted stage was testament to imaginative and well thought out choreography. The set, the costumes, the lighting and the effects all contributed to a splendid performance by these talented youngsters. All the famous songs were taken up too by a receptive audience. Project Theatre, its officials and cast, can be really proud of this joyous production.

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