Sister Act the Musical

Producer / Choreographer Irene Cameron and Musical Director David Edwards, along with the fabulous cast of Largs Amateur Opera Society, really worked their magic with this production of Sister Act.  The music throughout the show was excellently performed by principals, the ensemble and orchestra. The choreography featured great routines for the bigger production numbers and effective movement for the principal led numbers. Who knew the boys in Largs could strut their 70’s ‘funky stuff’ so well! The static set was well used, and the opening doors to represent the different / changing spaces was very effective and meant smooth scene changes. The cast moving the set and scenery also aided to this and was well executed. The characterisation across the board, supported with great comic timing by the full cast was super and they had worked hard to grow and maintain their characters throughout the show. Deloris was confidently played by Morag Robertson who brought sass, energy and a powerful voice to easily master the songs and scenes. Rarely off the stage, she gave a consistently strong performance and her voice in songs like ‘Fabulous Baby’ and ‘Sister Act’ was striking. She also grew a natural rapour with the audience, vital for the role. Star Penders was infectious in her zest and energy for her role as Sister Mary Patrick. She had the audience in stiches with her comic timing and used her physicality and stage presence to nail this role. Star contrasted her character beautifully with Karen Wilkin as Sister Mary Robert who gave a great performance as the shy young postulant developing inner strength through meeting Deloris. Her solo “The Life I Never Led” was particularly excellent. The part of Mother Superior was skilfully played by Linda McMurray who brought a warmth along with a lot of humour to the role of the as the over-bearing head of the convent. Donna Laing (Sister Mary Lazarus), Lynsey Ewing (Sister Mary Martin), Nan Fulton (Sister Mary Teresa) and Gordon Fyfe (Monsignor O’Hara) completed the talent line up in the convent. Gordon in particular really boosted the part of the monsignor making him a worth adversary for Linda’s Mother Superior. Attempting to protect Deloris by placing her in the convent for witness protection is the hero of the show Eddie (Calum McVittie). Calum’s portrayal of the ‘sweaty’ and geeky Police Officer was great to watch and his number ‘I Could be That Guy’ had the audience cheering and laughing throughout. Andy Park was living his best life as the 70s gangster Curtis, strutting across the stage and creating a menacing character balancing the audience laughing at him and disliking him very well. Allan Penders, William Clark-Ferguson, David McGarvey and  (Joey, Pablo and TJ respectively) were entertaining and very funny in their numbers as the haphazard gangsters. Michelle and Tina were played by Jacqui Park and Ashley Smith, who together with Allan Milligan as Ernie ensured that the opening scenes let the audience know they were in for a treat. Boasting a large ensemble, the musical numbers which this show has in abundance, were all individually dedicated to their performances, and the energy and joy coming off the stage was evident from the first bar of music. I would also like to thank President Fiona Page for another warm welcome and extend a massive well done to the entire club on this excellent production which shows the club growing from strength to strength.

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