Sister Act the Musical – Capitol Theatre Sydney (NSW)

Music by Alan Menken. Lyrics by Glen Slater. Book by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner.

Hilarious, heartwarming, uplifting, and spirited; a charming adaptation of the hit film

Reviewed by Claira Prider

Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Until October 26, 2024
Tickets: https://sisteractthemusical.com.au/tickets/sydney/

Adapted from the 1992 hit film, Sister Act the Musical brings a fresh, disco twist to the story of Doloris Cartier. Set in 1977 in Philadelphia, the plot follows a disco lounge singer who goes into hiding after witnessing her mobster boyfriend shoot and kill a potential snitch and then turn the gun on her. Officer Eddie Souther pays off a convent which is in desperate need of money for repairs where Doloris takes cover in disguise as a nun. She ruffles some habits and steps in to help after hearing the hilariously terrible sounds coming from the choir of nuns.  

The performance style is camp, over the top and comedic. While no music from the films’ original score makes it into the musical, Alan Menken’s writing maintains the uplifting, feel-good vibes with toe-tapping success. It merges Motown with quartet-inspired, close harmony backing vocals – think The Ronettes crossed with disco, infused with a bit of Disney.

Photos by Daniel Boud

The work is structured with lots of short scenes requiring quick setting changes, which Morgan Large’s simplistic set adeptly accommodates with lighting and props. The stage is surrounded by semi-circular layers which remain in place throughout, while different lighting projected onto them clarifies the location. A simple change of prop clearly informs the setting such as a dumpster being replaced with an upright piano and music stand, or Jesus on the cross being replaced with a gigantic, caged disco ball.

The chemistry between the ensemble of nuns on stage is messy but cohesive and wholesome; each character is loveable and unique without their individuality being distracting. 

Tim Mitchell’s lighting design illuminates the gothic archways and stained-glass window patterns. The bright moving colours create kaleidoscopic, geometric shapes at the same time as the audience being showered in shimmering light reflected off the disco ball.

Casey Donovan’s vocal performance is agile and dynamic in the lead role, her huge stage presence and vocal prowess makes it a very enjoyable and satisfying one to watch. While feeling somewhat caricature-like at the beginning, Donovan’s characterisation quickly settles into a very human, warm and loveable Doloris Cartier.

Rafael Wong melts hearts as the noble and heartfelt police officer Eddie. He demonstrates his rich, full timbre and extensive dynamic range in the schmalzy ballad ‘I Could Be That Guy’.

Genevieve Lemon is hilarious as the dry and sassy Mother Superior. Her comic timing is brilliant as she gets many of the laughs of the evening; her gruffness and nonchalance beautifully juxtaposes the characterisations of the other nuns. 

Sophie Montague is heavenly as sister Mary Robert in their professional stage debut giving a particularly stunning performance of ‘The Life I Never Led’. Rhonda Burchmore is cheeky and charming as the rapping sister Mary Lazarus, Bianca Bruce is hysterical as the pathologically jolly sister Mary Patrick, and each of the other nuns are relatable yet original. The chemistry between the ensemble of nuns on stage is messy but cohesive and wholesome; each character is loveable and unique without their individuality being distracting. 

A highlight of the production is the casting. It’s exciting to witness such a highly skilled, inclusive and diverse group of performers absolutely killing it in a mainstage production. The breadth of diversity enhances the works’ entertainment value as the cast facilitate a vibrant ensemble of characters that are relatable, loveable and filled with emotional depth and perspective; like the themes in the work, a celebration of community and authenticity.

From divine devotion to disco, Sister Act the Musical raises the roof of Sydney’s Capitol Theatre with the uplifting and spirited sounds of soul, pop and gospel – this is my kind of church!

Creatives
Producer John Frost For Crossroads Live
Music Alan Menken
Lyricist Glenn Slater
Book Writer Cheri Steinkellner
Book Writer Bill Steinkellner
Additional Book Material Douglas Carter Beane
Director Bill Buckhurst
Choreographer Alistair David
Set And Costume Designer Morgan Large
Musical Supervisor Stephen Brooker
Orchestrations Doug Besterman and Mark Cumberland
Lighting Designer Tim Mitchell
Sound Designer Tom Marshall
Wig, Hair and Make-up Designer Sam Cox
Resident Director Eric Giancola
Musical Director Daniel Griffin

CAST
Casey Donovan, Genevieve Lemon, Rhonda Burchmore, Sophie Montague, Bianca Bruce, Raphael Wong, James Bryers, Damien Bermingham, Emma Powell, Sally Bourne, Jordan Angelides, Tom Struik, James Bell, Kayla Carter, Gabriyel Thomas, Theodore Williams, Patrick Volpe, Jake Ameduri, Simon Fairweather, Elenor Smith Adams, Cara Bessey and Melanie Bird.