Date of performance – 3rd November 2022
Venue – Wales Millenium Centre
Before I begin this review, I have a confession to make. Before the start of last week, I’d never seen the original Sister Act film starring Whoopi Goldberg (so, no, I haven’t seen the second either) – shocking, I know! So, apart from a vague understanding of the story and the songs (oh, and it’s about nuns!), I went into last Thursday’s performance of the stage musical completely blind. Nevertheless, I was still excited to see it, and as soon as I laid eyes on the glittery, lit – up curtain at the start and bopped in my seat to the disco music reverberating round the theatre pre – show (what a way to up the atmoshpere!), I knew that it would be a fun ride. But how fun?
Story
If I assume that you’ve seen the 1982 classic film that this musical is based on, because let’s face it – everyone has (apart from me, but let’s not talk about that anymore, because I’m still ashamed), then you know how this one goes, right? But in case you haven’t, it tells the tale of Deloris Van Carter, a struggling nightclub singer who, after witnessing a murder committed by her own boyfriend no less (a classic example of being in the wrong place at the right time) is forced to disguise herself as a nun and hide out in a convent, under the reluctant supervision of the no – nonsense Mother Superior. Although at first less than enamoured with her new, ultra-sombre and drab lifestyle, Deloris soon finds herself befriending her fellow sisters, and when word gets out about her musical talents, she is immediately put in charge of the, ahem, “struggling” choir. Under Deloris’s careful guidance and encouragement, this group of warbling nuns is soon transformed into gospel superstars. Traditionally – inclined Mother Superior is initially NOT at all happy about this, but when her precious convent comes under danger……. can she accept Deloris’s help? You’ll have to book yourself a ticket to find out, but it’s all very heart-warming stuff.
Cast
Apparently, when this newest revival was still in its’ planning stages in 2019, Whoopi was supposed to come back to star yet again (on the strict condition that she would again appear as the bold and brassy Deloris, the role she created in the original film), which really would have been something to see. However, COVID happened, and that idea went out of the window. Luckily, however, Sandra Marvin proved to be a worthy “second best” – with a BIG soulful voice, sassy line delivery, and a seemingly – endless supply of energy. I particularly enjoyed her toe – tapping renditions of ‘Take Me To Heaven’ (WHAT a way to open a show!) and ‘Fabulous Baby!’
The vocals of Graham Macduff as Eddie Souther, AKA ‘Steady Eddie’ (police officer and Deloris’s old school friend) seemed quite underwhelming (to me) in comparison, nethertheless ‘I Could Be That Guy’ (his big ‘I Want’ number in the show) certainly left a good impression on the audience (not least a surprising quick change) and he was very convincing.
Jemery Secomb was suitably villainous as the evil Curtis Jackson, with a good strong voice – and he was ably supported (if slightly overshadowed) by his ‘croonies,’ who I believe gave some of the best performances of the night – Damian Buhagiar (Pablo), Tom Hopcroft (Joey), and Bradley Judge (TJ). These three were a dream comedic trio, and their fabously funny performance of ‘Lady In The Long Black Dress’ brought the house down (and was one of my personal highlights).
Meanwhile, Lesley Joseph’s deadpan portrayal of the severe Mother Superior was absolutely wonderful, and her voice was surprisingly good considering both her age and the fact that she’s generally better known as a TV goddess rather than a stage queen. And, the best part, Joseph knew it, even going so far as to share a laugh with Marvin about how low a certain song is. It takes a true theatrical majesty to do something like that.
My other standout was the lovely Lizzie Bea who gave a true ‘star is born’ turn as the timid, loveable Sister Mary Robert. Miss Bea is still a relative newcomer in the theatre world compared to some veterans in the cast, but I have a sneaky suspicion that she isn’t going to stay that way for much further – if her knockout performance is anything to go by! She was so adorable throughout and belted out ‘The Life I Never Led’ like her life depended on it – leaving the audience physically stunned and compelled to give THE most thunderous applause I think I have ever heard. Miss Bea’s vocal ability really is something very special indeed, and I would’ve paid a ticket just to witness that alone. I just wished that she got more chances to showcase that killer voice.
Not to be outdone, the other nuns also did a sterling job – particularly when they sang together as the choir. Take a bow – Catherine Millisom (Sister Mary Patrick), Anne Smith (Sister Mary Lazurus), Tricia Deighton (Sister Mary Theresa), Lori Haley Fox (Sister Mary Martin of Tours). Kudos also for those in supporting roles – Rhys Owen (Monsignor O’Hara), Castell Parker (Clemont), Tanya Edwards (Tina) and Gabrielle Davina Smith (Michelle) – as well as the ensemble.
Music
The musical’s action takes place in the 70s’ and this is reflected in the funky score with songs inspired by 70s’ Motown, soul and disco. I’ve already mentioned most of my musical highlights (particularly ‘Take Me To Heaven,’ ‘Lady in the Long Black Dress’ and ‘The Life I Never Led’) but it was almost impossible not to feel inspired when Sandra Marvin’s Deloris led the choir in a rousing rendition of ‘Raise Your Voice’ – such an empowering anthem of self – confidence and positivity. And even the most miserable of souls will find themselves dancing along and yelling “hallelujah!” when it’s repeated in the all – singing, all – dancing, glittery finale.
Costumes, Set and Technicalities
Morgan Large’s sets effectively moved us from Deloris’s gritty, glamorous nightclub roots to the serene, awe – inspiring surroundings of the nunnery, and back again. The costumes just oozed colour (surprisingly since over half of the show is set in a nunnery), retro groove, and plenty of glitz and sparkles. Honestly, this musical went ALL OUT on the sparkle and glitter front (ESPECIALLY during the finale), and I was all for it! The production values were solid too, with no obvious sound or lighting niggles as far as I could tell.
The JazzyHands Verdict
As the original film was a comedy, it makes perfect sense for the musical to go down the same route – which made for a lot of brilliant one – liners and side splittingly funny moments. For all this however, sometimes I felt that the more emotional moments felt “bogged down” and not as powerful or authentic as they could have been had the balance between “funny” and “emotional” been more finely balanced. Sometimes one liners were “shoehorned” into a serious scene – so we, the audience, didn’t really take it as seriously as we probably should have, or connect with the characters. I think that, as well as the not quite stellar performances from some of the cast, brought my overall star rating down from a five. Having said that though – this is still such an uplifting musical that you can’t help smiling through, or dancing along with the cast at the end. Overall, it’s sparkly, groovy, fun, often hilarious – and, yes, sometimes even “Fabulous Baby”. Exactly what we need right now.
Check if the show is coming to a venue near you, and book tickets here – https://www.sisteractthemusical.co.uk/uk-tour/
Hallelujah! It’s coming again to Wales Millennium Centre 2023, so if you missed out this year, don’t hesitate! Book NOW – https://www.wmc.org.uk/en/whats-on/2023/sister-act-2023