"Sister Act," the stage musical adaptation of the beloved 1992 film, which is currently being shown at Sydney's Capitol Theatre, brings a familiar story to life with a dash of disco glitter and a lot of heart. The tale of nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier hiding out in a convent after witnessing her gangster boyfriend commit murder might seem outlandish, but it’s the kind of feel-good escapism that musicals thrive on. The twist? Deloris, posing as a nun, shakes up the convent’s traditional choir with the irresistible sounds of rock 'n' roll, transforming a pitchy group into a sensation that eventually attracts the attention of the Pope himself.
For all its charm and potential, this musical adaptation falls into a common trap: prioritizing big, flashy musical numbers over the depth of its storytelling. While the plot is certainly still there—buried beneath the glitter—it sometimes feels more like a vehicle for the toe-tapping score by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater than a carefully woven narrative. But where "Sister Act" truly shines is in the musical moments, offering audiences everything from joyous gospel-inspired melodies to infectious disco beats.
At the center of this production is the dazzling Casey Donovan in her first leading role. Having built a reputation as a powerhouse singer since her "Australian Idol" win, Donovan’s performance is an undeniable highlight.
Her voice alone could carry the show, and she commands the stage with a confidence that suits her character’s larger-than-life personality.
Her renditions of the musical’s songs—from upbeat anthems to tender ballads—are a masterclass in vocal versatility. Yet, there’s a subtle longing for a deeper connection with her portrayal of Deloris; Donovan is so naturally likeable as herself that the character sometimes feels secondary to her star power.
Genevieve Lemon, as the stoic yet warm Mother Superior, provides a much-needed balance to Deloris' vibrant energy. Lemon’s portrayal is thoughtful, and her moments of inner conflict bring a nuanced depth to a role that could easily have been one-dimensional.
In contrast, Rhonda Burchmore’s Sister Mary Lazarus, while humorous, seems slightly underused, a veteran performer with too little to work with. Meanwhile, newcomer Sophie Montague shines as the timid yet resolute Sister Mary Robert, crafting a character arc that feels both genuine and heartwarming.
Raphael Wong, in the role of Eddie Souther, brings a refreshing sincerity to his performance, his standout number "I Could Be That Guy" offering a glimpse of the character’s vulnerability in a show otherwise dominated by spectacle. James Bell as TJ, the goofy nephew of Deloris’ gangster boyfriend, delivers comic relief with great timing, though the material itself can sometimes feel a little predictable.
Visually, "Sister Act" is a delight. The sets are rich with nods to classical religious architecture, and the costumes evolve from modest nun’s habits into a riot of sequins by the final act, perfectly capturing the show’s shift from somber to celebratory. The lighting design adds a layer of dazzle, enhancing the show’s climactic moments with a cascade of disco lights that would feel at home in a 70s nightclub. The choreography, though not groundbreaking, complements the show’s upbeat numbers, giving the ensemble plenty of opportunity to shine.
Yet, for all the glitz, "Sister Act" doesn’t quite rise to the level of a classic. Its humor sometimes strays into silliness, and the songs, while catchy in the moment, don’t leave a lasting impression beyond the theatre doors. The show’s Mardi Gras-style finale ensures a standing ovation, but one can’t help feeling that the journey there—though enjoyable—could have been more tightly woven.
In the end, "Sister Act" succeeds in being a fun, uplifting night out. It’s not here to challenge societal norms or delve into deep commentary about faith or redemption. Instead, it revels in the joy of its absurd premise and invites the audience to do the same. If you’re looking for a night of light-hearted entertainment, where the music is infectious and the performances shine bright, "Sister Act" will more than deliver.
Just don’t expect to leave the theatre pondering life’s bigger questions. After all, sometimes it’s enough to just sit back, relax, and let the rhythm of rock ‘n’ roll take you to church.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Daniel Boud.