Review date Wednesday 20th June
Whoopi Goldberg who played the lead role in the original film version, has brought this fantastic musical comedy to stage, in association with Stage Entertainment - known for High School Musical and Hairspray.
Sister Act has hit Milton Keynes Theatre direct from its record breaking run at the London Palladium. There are many highlights to this production, it starts a little slowly but once it gets going....WOW! It's non stop until the final curtain falls...
In a nut shell, the story surrounds "wanna be star" Reno lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier, who accidentally witnesses a murder by the hand of her mobster boyfriend. Scared for her safety, she goes on the run and seeks protection from the police. Police Chief, Eddy Souther (played by Edward Baruwa) is entrusted with keeping Deloris safe until he can bring the mob boss to trial. Eddy hides Deloris in a place where no one would expect to find the sassy, larger than life singer - in a catholic church.....disguised as a nun!!?
The night of my review saw a few cast changes, namely the two main characters Deloris Van Cartier (billed with Cynthia Erivo - a relatively unknown on stage but known more so for her singing career) and Mother Superior (billed with Denise Black, otherwise known as hairdresser Denise from Coronation Street during the 90's)
In stepped Hannah Levane as Deloris - she was outstanding in the role. Her vocals were spot on and her performance was superb.
Shirley Jameson was an excellent Mother Superior - her delivery of her lines showed comedic timing and had a strong vocal to boot! Neither of them disappointed with their performances...
With a very strong cast and amazing musical score by multi Academy award winning Alan Menken and lyrics by Tony nominee, Glen Slater - this show is hard to beat. I didn't miss the songs from the original film version of Sister Act - the new ones are totally original, catchy and fit the bill to a "T"!
The costumes have to have a special mention, designed by award winning Lez Brotherston - the nuns sparkled in the finale, and was a visual feast, as was the set throughout. But I think the most ingenuous was the costume change for Eddy - right before your eyes, he transforms to disco diva and then back to mild mannered police chief. It is so smooth and slick, you won't quite believe what you see!
Baruwa (Eddy) was so so funny in this role and had a Luther Vandross quality to his voice - it was so good, I wanted to hear him sing more...
Sister Act is a totally fun packed, uplifting production - the audience definitely left on a high! This show is one for all the family - it is an amazing production which has kept its west end feel for sure. Who needs to to travel into London, when this sort of high class production comes to you?
This is top drawer stuff, just writing about how good it was makes me want to see it again!
It was FAB-U_LOUS!! and a definite must see!!
Lily B x
