The final cast members have been unveiled for the Australian premiere musical Sister Act, including Sophie Montague, Bianca Bruce, Raphael Wong and James Bryers. They will be joining Australian musical theatre royalty in Casey Donovan, Genevieve Lemon and Rhonda Burchmore in the most heavenly of musicals, premiering in Sydney in August.
Making their professional debut, Sophie Montague will be stepping into the role of Sister Mary Robert, Raphael Wong (The Phantom of the Opera, Midnight) will play Deloris’ love interest Eddie, and James Bryers (Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Matilda the Musical) will play Curtis Jackson.
Bianca Bruce (Mamma Mia the Musical, Cinderella) will play Sister Mary Patrick, Emma Powell (Come From Away, Kinky Boots) will feature as Sister Mary Theresa, and Sally Bourne (Les Miserables, Once We Lived Here) will perform the role of Sister Mary Martin of Tours.
Also joining the cast is Damien Bermingham (Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical, Billy Elliott) as Monsignor O’Hara, Jordan Angelides (Catch Me if you Can, They’re Playing Our Song) as Pablo, Tom Struik (West Side Story, Shrek the Musical) as Joey and James Bell (Black is the New White, The Aliens) as TJ.
Rounding out the Ensemble and Swing roles are Kayla Carter, Theodore Williams, Patrick Volpe, Simon Fairweather, Elenor Smith Adams, Cara Bessey and Melanie Bird.
The creative team behind Sister Act includes Alan Menken (Music), Glenn Slater (Lyrics), Cheri and Bill Steinkellner (Book), Bill Buckhurst (Director), Alistair David (Choreographer), Morgan Large (Set & Costume Design), Stephen Brooker (Musical Supervision), Tim Mitchell (Lighting Design) and Tom Marshall (Sound Design).
Based on the iconic film starring Whoopi Goldberg and featuring original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® award-winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted, The Little Mermaid), and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, this heavenly musical is joyous and uplifting in equal measures.
Disco diva Deloris’ life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Placed under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she shouldn’t be found – a convent! Encouraged to help the struggling choir, she helps her fellow sisters find their true voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.
A musical sent from above, Sister Act is the brilliant, must-see show which raises the spirits and warms the soul time after time. Nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, as well as a total of six Olivier Award nominations across the original West End season and the London revival season. Sister Act also made a triumphant return to London’s West End in March 2024.
Sister Act plays the Capitol Theatre, Sydney from August, the Regent Theatre, Melbourne from November 2024, and Lyric Theatre – QPAC, Brisbane from February 2025. For further information, visit: www.sisteractthemusical.com.au for details.
Image: Casey Donovan and Genevieve Lemon – photo by Benny Capp