Fabulous, Baby! Congregation-pleasing screen-to-stage adaptation Sister Act the Musical spreads the Sunday Morning Fever as it makes its long overdue Australian premiere tour in heavenly form.
Premiering on the West End back in 2009 and on Broadway in 2011, Sister Act the Musical has become a particular favourite in the UK, enjoying three UK tours and two West End revivals. The current Australian tour is a replica of the 2022 West End revival, which treated London to a return season this year.
While the soundtrack of the original 1992 movie Sister Act was hugely popular, the stage musical boasts its own original score by prolific tunesmith Alan Menken (music) and Glenn Slater (lyrics). For the Broadway production, the book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner was sharpened by comedic playwright Douglas Carter Beane and this version continues in use.
Brimming with joy, Sister Act the Musical is rollicking, feel-good entertainment. The breezy storyline about a hapless wannabe lounge singer on the run is filled with endearing, quirky characters. The plot takes a little while to hit its strides, but once Deloris Van Cartier is ensconced in the convent and takes on the creaky choir, the musical really takes flight.
Laugh out loud funny, the true heart of the success of the musical is the instantly accessible, toe-tapping music by Menken paired with wittily amusing lyrics by Slater. Song after song features infectious melodic hooks, generously shared between the dozen or so characters. Stand out numbers include convent warmer “It’s Good To Be A Nun,” act two opener “Sunday Morning Fever,” and merry charm song “Bless Our Show.” The initial choir sequence “Raise Your Voice” is also an especial delight.
Amidst the rousing company numbers, ballads bring an inner invoice to characters, with Mother Superior lamenting that they “Haven’t Got A Prayer,” Deloris reflecting on her “Sister Act,” and burgeoning postulant Sister Mary Robert breaking out with late I wish song, “The Life I Never Led.”
Working with musical supervisor Steven Brooker, musical director Daniel Griffin, himself on keys, leads a tight, soulful orchestra of seven fellow musicians.
Director Bill Buckhurst keeps energy unflaggingly high and characterisations broad. Choreographer Alistair David delivers relatively simple dance but adds particular value by inventively opening up each number in surprising ways.
The simple yet very effective stage design is a collaboration between set designer Morgan Large and lighting designer Tim Mitchell. A series of concentric arches of stained glass window motifs, embedded lights fill the space with fabulous colour.
Large’s costumes celebrate the late-1970s setting in deliberately seedy style. A double costume trick for earnest constable Eddie Souther in “I Could Be That Guy” has to be seen to be believed. Full company finale costumes sparkle with eye-popping colour, the habits lavishly remade in a rainbow of jewel tones.
Having steadily built up an impressive résumé of musical theatre credits, much loved performer Casey Donovan deservedly takes on her first leading role as big-hearted misfit Deloris. With radiant presence and ravishing voice, Donovan lights up her every stage moment, successfully taking Deloris on a highly engaging journey from recalcitrant, self-focused starlet to soulful, impassioned sister.
Hardy veteran Genevieve Lemon brings a stubborn twinkle to the eye of necessarily stern Mother Superior. The rare musical comedy without a central traditional love story, Sister Act instead focuses upon the push and pull between Mother Superior and her new charge, Deloris, with Lemon and Donovan enjoying wonderfully warm chemistry.
The supporting sisters each make their mark, with a particular delight being Bianca Bruce as the infectiously giggling Sister Mary Patrick. Sophie Montague conveys the resolute determination of Sister Mary Robert, raising the roof with power ballad “The LIfe I Never Led.” Rhonda Burchmore captures the world weary wisdom of Sister Mary Lazarus, scoring laughs when Lazarus unexpectedly proves a deft rapper.
Continuing a successful move into musical theatre from opera, Raphael Wong earns an abundance of audience affection as kindly cop Eddie Souther. James Bryers works hard to bring an edge of menace to nightclub gangster Curtis Jackson. Damien Bermingham is a cheery composite of every catholic priest as Monsignor O’Hara.
Guaranteed to leave the audience on a merry high, Sister Act the Musical is ideal festive season entertainment.
Sister Act the Musical plays at Regent Theatre, Melbourne until 26 January 2025. For tickets, click here.
Sister Act the Musical plays at Lyric Theatre, Brisbane from 8 February 2025. For tickets, click here.
Sister Act the Musical plays at Festival Theatre, Adelaide from 22 March 2025. For tickets, click here.
Sister Act the Musical plays at Crown Theatre, Perth from 26 April 2025. For tickets, click here.
Photos: Daniel Boud