Sister Act Jr

Sometimes, for me junior versions of full-scale shows seem cut too short and the story sometimes suffers because of this. I have to say nothing could be further from the truth with WBOS Youtheatre production of “Sister Act Jr”. 

First of all, if you haven’t seen Sister Act before the show follows Deloris Van Cartier who becomes a witness to her boyfriend murdering an associate and runs to the Police to report the crime. The Police place Deloris into witness protection at the local convent where despite their differing backgrounds strong bonds and friendships are made with the nuns. She quickly finds her place in the women’s choir. While Deloris does not share the faith and modesty of her fellow nuns, her newfound community of sisters offers her friendship and fellowship, and, in turn, Deloris teaches each woman how to raise her voice in beautiful praise. The choir’s new sound proves a big draw, attracting new worshippers at church services, sorely needed donations, and community attention.

It is only when ‘Deloris’ takes sanctuary with ‘Mother Superior’ that she finds her place in the world.  ‘Deloris’ is played by the tremendously talented Isabella Hale was perfect casting for the role.  The show revolves around the character of ‘Deloris’ and Isabella took on the responsibility and totally smashed it. Her rendition of “Raise Your Voice” was a joy.  In complete theatrical contrast, the character of the ‘Mother Superior’ is everything that ‘Deloris’ isn’t. Strict and devoted to convent life but in the capable hands of Grace Paskin, we see a part played with deft coming timing and Grace’s “Between these Walls” was executed with precision and utterly memorable. 

Amelia Moore played Mary Robert, the timid young nun. She was so convincing and engaging; her confidence on stage and character developed throughout the performance and was topped off with the delightful, “The Life I Never Led”.

Jake Dale played Officer Eddie Southern in a wonderfully calm yet convincing way and delivering an amazingly confident “I Could Be That Guy”. Jack Mullen-Hughes played an equally starring role as Monsignor O’Hara, the exuberant minister intent on raising funds for the cathedral gave a very assured performance.

The Thugs, led convincingly by Lucas Nijhof-Clarke, as Curtis, stole the show with their incompetent and comedic antics. The Gang, Tristan Marwa as ‘Joey’, Oscar Wetherall as ‘TJ’, Freddie Wetherall as ‘Pablo’ and Nathan Thevar-Ward as ‘Ernie’ had put together some great character traits, much appreciated by the audience and consistently well played by the actors.

Some great chorus singing and super cameos came from the Nuns, particularly Beth Higgitt as ‘Mary Patrick’ and Emily Hemingbrough as ‘Mary Lazarus’.  “It’s Good to be a Nun” went down really well with the audience!  

The dancing, all credit to Claire Flavell’s Choreography, was energetic, precise and ambitious throughout and left the audience utterly breathless on occasions given the sheer energy and enthusiasm from all involved. Dan Hardy, the Musical Director, created a vibrant and joyful sound from the chorus and expertly coached the soloists to produce outstanding results. 

The production was expertly imagined and executed by Director, Emma Wetherall, who managed to bring out the best in all departments including very talented technical and backstage teams. The casting was as near perfect as it could have been, a great achievement.

My thanks to everyone at WBOS Youtheatre for a highly entertaining and enjoyable evening and for your hospitality.  The future of musical theatre in the Black Country has nothing to fear based on the performances in evidence at WBOS Youtheatre.

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