It’s Fabulous, Baby!
A fake nun with a big heart changes the future of a dying parish – it’s a good story, a great movie and an even better live musical. On stage now at the Dunfield Theatre in Cambridge, Sister Act is a well-polished presentation with lively entertainment, guaranteed to make you smile.
When singer Delores VanCartier walks in on a murder being carried out by her mobster boyfriend, she decides to go to the police, where she reports the killing to a cop who had a crush on her in high school. He decides to put her into an impromptu witness protection plan and hides her at the local convent with a very reluctant Mother Superior. But Delores takes over the convent choir, and they begin to attract crowds at their church. Delores’ cover is blown when she appears on local TV, and now the ex-boyfriend’s gang is out to get her. This musical offers great songs, exciting chases and a love story – what more could we want?
The first thing you notice is the extraordinary sets – from the big red Sister Act sign, to the beautiful arched cathedral and colourful stained glass, and even back stage at the grimy night club – the sets are extremely well done. Costumes, too, are a delight with lots of glamour and glitter.
Aurianna Angelique shines as Delores with the singing ability to handle the big powerful numbers. She leads the nun’s choir in rousing renditions of Raise Your Voice and Take Me to Heaven, among others. Lee Siegel is perfect as the mobster Curtis. He and his sidekicks Joey (Gerrad Everard), TJ (David Lopez), and Pablo (Oscar Moreno) stop the show with their presentation of When I Find my Baby. Not only do they all handle the singing flawlessly, they have the comedic chops to pull off the hilarious lyrics.
Susan Gilmore is properly stuffy as Mother Superior, while Susan JohnstonCollins makes you smile as the happy nun, and Rebecca Poff adds her powerful voice to the choir. Laura Mae Nason brings the roof down as the young postulant who suddenly finds her voice. Matthew G. Brown as the cop Sweaty Eddie has some amazing costume changes that also require his triple threat talents. And special mention goes to Larry Mannell as the very funny Monsignor O’Hara. The entire ensemble – nuns, altar boys, gangsters, cops and more add to the fun.
Drayton Entertainment has wrapped up the year with a huge hit! This show will sell well, so call for your tickets now. It’s only here til December 24th
Sister Act continues with eight shows a week until December 24, at Dunfield Theatre, Cambridge. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 519-621-8000 or Toll Free 1-855-372-9866, or check www.draytonentertainment.com
Photo: Aurianna Angelique and Company in Sister Act, 2016. Photo by Darlene O’Rourke.
Sister Act – 2016
Note: This show was originally reviewed at Huron Country Playhouse in June 2016.
Book by Cheri Steinkellner & Bill Steinkellner
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Glenn Slater
Based on the movie Sister Act
Directed by Max Reimer
Choreographed by Lisa Stevens
Musical Direction by Paul De Gurse
Performed by Aurianna Angelique, Lee Siegel, Susan Gilmore, Matthew G. Brown, Susan JohnstonCollins, Rebecca Poff, Laura Mae Nason, Gerrad Everard, David Lopez, Oscar Moreno et al.
Produced by Drayton Entertainment
Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend – June 8 to 25, 2016
Dunfield Theatre, Cambridge – Nov. 23 to Dec. 24
Reviewed by Mary Alderson