Sister Act JR

Sister Act JR is a musical adapted for young performers based on the 1992 film with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane. It tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, an aspiring singer, who witnesses a murder committed by her gangster boyfriend and is consequently put into protective custody by the Police in the one place they feel sure she won’t be found - a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and the uptight Mother Superior. She uses her singing talents to inspire the struggling choir thus breathing new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover.

An outstanding performance came from Jasmine C as Deloris Van Cartier, from the opening number ‘Take Me to Heaven’, followed by ‘Fabulous. Baby!’ she totally owned the stage and was just that - fabulous! She was sassy, charismatic, delightfully charming and delivered a most convincing and mature performance. Jasmine not only has a superb singing voice but it is equalled by her terrific acting and dancing skills. She was indeed, every inch a disco diva but showed the necessary energy, enthusiasm, empathy and persuasive skills to motivate not only the nuns to shine, but also to get The Mother Superior to accept her ideas. It was truly an exceptional performance. Mia L. had all the qualities necessary to convey the strong and independent characteristics of Mother Superior. She commanded the stage and delivered a most impressive portrayal, she too has a super singing voice. Seb H not only looked the part of a gangster but enacted the menacing, sinister and threatening aspects of the character perfectly. Joey was splendidly played by Archie C who brought out the comedic aspects of the role superbly. His singing of ‘Lady in The Long Black Dress’ was great, as were his moves. The other gang members were Jensen E who was just so funny as TJ, Alby R who splendidly portrayed the more serious nature of Pablo and Ted S as Ernie, who unfortunately when found to be a police informant, was shot! Bear Y gave a super performance as Eddie Souther, the Police Cop who had, and still has, a crush on Deloris. He ideally portrayed the hardworking, dependable, if at times awkward disposition of Eddie and ’I Could Be That Guy’ was so movingly sung. This whole scene was so cleverly orchestrated with first his ‘police shirt’ being snatched to reveal a white satin one to then having that snatched and going back to a ‘police shirt’. Zoë S was terrific as Monsignor O’Hara she has excellent stage presence and showed such exuberance in the attempts to do anything to save the church. Isla S was delightful as Mary Patrick bringing out her upbeat, lively and bubbly nature with such enthusiasm. Darcey B gave a wonderful depiction of Mary Lazarus, who was the ‘Choir Mistress’, as she moved around with her walking stick. Whilst at first, not welcoming of Deloris she was eventually most agreeable towards her and to the glorious singing results. Flori S was superb as Mary Roberts. She was totally convincing, capturing her shyness but then blossoming, following her friendship with Deloris. Her amazing singing of ‘The Life I Never Led’ was so heart-wrenchingly sung, it was absolutely exquisite. Deloris’s backup singers - Mamie S as Nina, Bethany B as Elle, Phoebe L as Tina and Lily L as Michelle were excellent as were Grace S as Mary Irene, Libby O as Martin of Tours, Meghan W as Mary Stephen, Phoebe L as Mary Theresa and Lily L as Mary Celeste. The singing, acting and dancing skills of the backup singers and of the nuns were top notch. Adding to all of the above was a wonderful Ensemble playing additional nuns, Altar Boys and Street People. 

There were some terrific scenes but I must just mention the Chase Scene when Curtis has found out where Deloris is. There were some hilarious antics with nuns either rushing or creeping around the stage using some quite unusual methods of outwitting the gang and I loved it when Joey was knocked over by the piano. The singing throughout by individuals, duets, small groups and full ensemble numbers was so impressive and where appropriate accompanied by innovative choreography which was so enthusiastically and precisely executed. 

There was no set as such but two sets of large steps were used in varying ways with appropriate back projections enhancing the various settings and two lit stained glass windows were most effectively used, when required. Excellent props provided the extra input for the many scene settings as did the super lighting plot and the costumes were utterly stunning.

Many congratulations to Director Jen Lewis, to Producer Stacey Hyndman, to Musical Director Jess Dolman, to Choreographer Sharon Stringer and Co-Choreographer Danni Stringer, to all of the Back Stage Crews and Front of House personnel, to everyone else involved and especially to all of the wonderful principals and cast members. Many thanks also for the warm welcome that I always receive - the show was indeed, ’Fabulous, Baby’! 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.