I grew up in the nineties singing to Sister Act. It inspired me to move, to be happy, to groove and to imagine numerous performances on a microphone from the age of seven years old into adulthood. Possibly you know the lyrics to the many hit songs with Whoopi Goldberg running away from gangsters and finding shelter in a convent. Deloris Van Cartier, the extravagant main character from Sister Act, an exuberant cabaret singer from Reno, brings music to a dull and conservative convent changing the lives of a congregation of nuns.
Sister Act, the musical premieres in Singapore at Mastercard Theatres, Marina Bay Sands on the 9th of May for a three week run with performances from Tuesday to Sunday.
On Monday afternoon I was delighted to shake up my weekend blues in the Theatre with the press preview for Sister Act, Asian premiere.
Sister Act tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier; the infamous lounge singer resurrects an old choir of nuns in Philadelphia. The production is a feel good show, soul nurturing music accompanied by hilarious and talented sisters singing and dancing with camp sparkly nun costumes. Perfect for a family and date night out.
‘I am pretty sure the musical follows the story of the movie very closely. The other big adjustment is that it’s set in 1970’s, the disco era. There is a lot of joy, the movie was fun, but this is even more uplifting.’ says Associate Director Steven Beckler.
A sing along sensation makes this comedy an entertainment extravaganza of music, dance and storytelling, directed by Jerry Zaks ( four Tony Awards and seven nominations) and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast ( credits include Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Mamma Mia! and Jesus Christ Superstar).
In a brief interview with Associate Choreographer Janet Rothermel, I discovered that the choreography is bound by the limitations of the nuns, assuming they come from a reality with less movement and groove!
This brand new cast of actors and singers embark on a journey learning to sing through the soul under the guidance of the unbelievably witty and amusing Deloris Van Cartier played by Dené Hill.