"Sister Act" at Lyric Arts

The 1992 Whoopi Goldberg hit comedy movie Sister Act was adapted into a stage musical in the late aughts, with music composed by frequent Disney composer Alan Menken. Lyric Arts is bringing it to their stage this season, and it's a whole lot of fun, with a wonderful message of sisterhood, faith, friendship, community, and standing up for what's right. What's not to love about that?! Lyric's production features a large and talented cast (many of them newcomers to Lyric's stage) and is a joyful and high energy celebration. It's playing through May 11, but musicals do well at Lyric Arts, especially a known name, so don't wait too long if you want to experience the joy.

The musical stays fairly close to the plot of the movie, with a few changes, including changing the setting to 1978 Philadelphia (because the late '70s are so much more fun than the early '90s). In a nightclub, aspiring singer Deloris sees her bad guy boyfriend kill someone, so the police send her into hiding in a convent. Needless to say, the Mother Superior does not approve of Deloris, who has trouble giving up her worldly ways to live the life of a nun. But she recognizes Deloris' skill in music and puts her to work with the abysmal choir. Under the direction of Deloris, aka Sister Mary Clarence, the sisters become a fantastic musical act which brings more people into the church and saves it from being sold. Unfortunately' it also brings attention to Deloris and allows the bad guys to find her, but Deloris refuses to abandon her sisters before their papal performance. Will Deloris be saved from the crooks, and will the sisters pull off their biggest show yet? It's a musical - what do you think?

"Raise Your Voice!" (Cassie Edlund and cast)
(photo by Molly Weibel)

Siddeeqah Shabazz directs the piece with a lot of energy and broad humor, and also a real sense of sisterhood. The talented twenty-person cast, many of whom play multiple characters, do a good job with the humor and heart of the piece. The soul of the show is Cassie Edlund as Deloris, so funny and joyful and present, really embodying Deloris' love of music and fun, and newfound dedication to her sisters. Other highlights in the cast include the smooth deep-voiced Darius A. Gilliard as bad boyfriend Curtis; Quintin Michael as the sweet (but sweaty) cop Eddie, with some serious Mr. Cellophane vibes; Fjaere Harder as the stern Mother Superior who eventually softens to Deloris; Kaoru Shoji as the sweet young postulate who finds her voice; and Justin Cervantes, Jonathan P. Haller, and Nicholas Ohren as Curtis' tough guy sidekicks / backup singers.

Cassie Edlund as Deloris and cast
(photo by Molly Weibel)

The score has a fun '70s sound with some great numbers that sound like they could be vintage hits, well performed by the cast and band under Music Director Laura Long. Choreographer Michael Terrell Brown has arranged some smooth dance moves in various styles. The convent/church setting is well represented with brick walls, stained glass windows, a crucifix, and those uncomfortable church pews, with the setting transforming into a bar or other locations when needed. The fun '70s vibe continues in the fabulous costumes, contrasting with the conservative nun's habits (scenic design by Bradley Whitcomb, costume design by Khamphian Vang).

For a fun and joyful musical that also celebrates community, friendship, and sisterhood (something we always could use more of), check out Sister Act at Lyric Arts.

*Plot summary borrowed from my review of the Broadway tour.