Jo Turbitt finds the musical adaptation to be unmissable.
If you know the movie, you'll recognise the characters, but even if you haven't seen Whoopi Goldberg in a habit, you'll love the characters in the show. This is a big holy party that you can't miss out on, where tough guys become Supremes and music lifts you to a new level of elation.
Deloris Van Cartier, played by Cynthia Erivo, brought the character to the stage with va-va-voom. Her strong performance and vocals brought a gutsy attitude and energy to the show and kept the scenes, and sometimes dodgy script, moving. Personally it was the one thing holding the first few scenes of the show back, but the writers must have then found their stride as the rest of the script was on the money. Peppered and skilfully sculpted with music, unlike most musicals when you think "…and here comes the songs…" in this show, I was constantly looking forward to the musical numbers, rousing vocals brought each song whether up tempo or smooth and lyrical, the singing scenes were full of energetic vibrancy. Alongside the funky numbers there are unexpected musical gems like "I could be that guy", beautifully delivered with emotion and staged with wit, evolving a minor role into a loveable, unforgettable leading man. The upbeat gospel, Motown style songs were nothing short of awesome, however the more "musical theatre" style songs were a bit misplaced and dragged slightly in amongst the rest of the show. While the storyline/ message of those songs were important to the show, the songs could have been more in keeping with the overall show.
The direction and choreography of the show supported the script, so much so that they could have all been created at the same time. Nothing felt like a product because of something else: staged and directed with a gritty and funky tongue-in-cheek humour which doesn't take itself seriously at all with witty, contextualised choreography which didn't just fill in the space and music. The whole production gives new meaning to fun!
Apart from the strong lead this show’s heartbeat is found in its army of nuns. Thank god for the nuns! They complement and enhance Erivo's performance, taking us to musical theatre heaven. A pack of comically brilliant nuns, this chorus are stunning with incredibly impressive, hidden vocal talents. Angelic juxtaposed with awesome comedy.
Excellent production standards for a touring show. Touring productions nowadays are aiming high and delivering more; produced to a high standard, great quality and highly talented performers.
It made me want to join a choir!
Sister Act performs at the Playhouse until November 12. It is touring the UK.
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