Based on the 1992 movie starring Whoopie Goldberg, Sister Act The Musical loses none of the wit, charm and hilarity of the movie.
And although the musical does not rely on the movie soundtrack, the production is blessed with an original, engaging and toe tapping score by award winning Alan Menken and Glenn Slater.
Leading the production, in the title role of Deloris Van Cartier is Australian Idol sensation, Casey Donovan. Donovan’s powerful vocals and wit resonate with her character as she proves she is one of Australia’s new leading ladies of musical theatre.
After witnessing a murder Donovan’s character finds herself in witness protection at the Holy Order of the Little Sisters of Our Mother of Perpetual Faith, under the care of a convent of nuns.
Leading these nuns is the Mother Superior, played by Genevieve Lemon. A consummate professional even a wolf whistle, as she entered in her nightgown, from an audience member, was met with quick witted humour as she adlibbed, “Oh you need to keep praying.”
Her solo that followed, I Haven’t got a Prayer, was a passionate plea to God to rid the convent of Deloris. You could sense the exasperation of the situation in her performance.
To keep Deloris occupied in the convent she is put in charge of the nuns’ choir. A choir so bad there, “Are just no words.”
Rhonda Burchmore as Sister Mary Lazarus leads the choir with humour and pizazz. Her moments of hip hop are fun and amusing to watch. The cast of supporting nuns are a powerful force of harmonies complete with funky moves.
Damien Bermingham as Monsignor O’Hara opens act two with a frenzy, while Raphael Wong as policeman Eddie Souther’s dream sequence of I Could be that Guy, is comically entertaining – complete with quick costume changes and backup dancers in mirror ball police helmets.
Sophie Montague’s (Sister Mary Robert) solo, The Life I Never Lead was a powerhouse of a performance as it reverberated around the theatre with control and passion.
The three goons, TJ, Pablo and Joey who sent out to apprehend and kill Deloris are played by James Bell, Jordan Angelides and Tom Struik. Their rendition of Lady in the Long Black Dress is hilarious.
Their voices range from the high powerful notes to the low resonates reminiscent of Barry White. Bell’s role as TJ steals the goon scenes throughout the show with his hysterically exaggerated facial expressions, body movements and high pitched voice.
Sister Act The Musical is a feel-good show of love, friendship and real connection. It will have you standing on your feet cheering for more.
Sister Act The Musical
Crown Theatre Perth, Great Eastern Highway, Burswood
Performance: Friday 2 May 2025
Season continues to 25 May 2025
Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au
For more information, visit: www.sisteractthemusical.com.au for details.
Images: The Australian Cast of Sister Act – all photos by Daniel Boud
Review: Craig Dalglish