Sister Act
Leicester Curve
1st February 2024
The legacy of musicals adapted from beloved non-musical films doesn’t have the best track record. Among the absolute triumphs (‘Legally Blonde’, ‘Priscilla’, ‘Kinky Boots’), there is a far longer list of misfires, where the addition of songs to such well-known material has added nothing, and raised the question as to why the creatives thought it was such a good idea. Fortunately, when the ‘Sister Act’ musical came along in 2009, it fully earned itself a place on the list of triumphs. Taking the story from the 1992 movie and adding the talents of legendary composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater, the show was a hit on the West End, Broadway, and on several tours in the UK, which it’s doing right now, with Leicester’s Curve as its next stop.
On Christmas Eve in Philadelphia in the late 1970s, wannabe superstar Deloris Van Cartier (Landi Oshinowo) witnesses a murder by her married lover Curtis (Ian Gareth-Jones), and is sent into hiding by the police. Figuring Curtis would never think to look for Deloris in a convent, police chief Eddie (Alfie Parker) sends Deloris to blend in with some local nuns, under the watch of their Mother Superior (Lori Haley Fox). Soon realising Deloris lacks most of the qualities required to blend into their lifestyle, Mother Superior assigns Deloris to join the convent choir, where she soon achieves amazing results leading the group. But with Curtis trying to track her down, Deloris’ thirst for stardom and rising media attention may bring around her ultimately end rather than the fame she longs for.
‘Sister Act’ may not be particularly deep or profound, but it wears its heart on its sleeve with such uplifting joy that it delivers exactly what musical theatre should. The book (by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner, with additional material by Douglas Carter Beane) is pacey and funny, keeping a smile on your face while making you care about these characters. Menken and Slater’s score remains a fun fusion of disco, motown and gospel. Although it’s seen some reworking since its inception, this is mostly for the better, removing “Do The Sacred Mass” which added little to the plot and also giving “I Could Be That Guy” a funkier disco section which works really well. The decision to replace “How I Got The Calling” with “It’s Good To Be A Nun” is still a strange one, since the former was the funnier song and also gave Sister Mary Robert a backstory to explain her search for purpose. Also opening the show, “Take Me To Heaven” has been shortened, making its reprise at the end of Act 1 a little less effective. But overall it’s a great score, upbeat and joyful, and defies its original criticism of using original material rather than the songs from the original film.
Directed by Bill Buckhurst, this production of ‘Sister Act’ feels big, proud of itself and wanting to shine like the glitterball that hangs at the top of the stage. It’s unashamedly fun, snappily paced and with a great sense of movement and flow throughout. The sets and costumes by Morgan Large are particularly impressive, with the characters looking fabulously retro and convent scenes looking especially beautiful, enhanced further by Tim Mitchell’s lighting design. Energy levels are high throughout, with the cast really selling the material well. Choreography by Alistair David is fun and suitably “disco”, perhaps not quite as wacky as previous productions and losing a little of the inbuilt comedy of dancing nuns, but still entertaining.
Landi Oshinowo has really settled into the role of Deloris now that she has a few months under her belt, and does a great job in making enough different choices in her vocals and dialogue delivery to really put her own stamp on the part. A fantastic vocalist, Oshinowo smashes the big Deloris solos, and also shows great comic skill and timing. Lori Haley Fox also puts in a fine performance as Mother Superior, less acerbic than predecessor Lesley Joseph’s sharp tongue but still well delivered. Making her professional debut as Sister Mary Robert is newcomer Eloise Runnette, who takes on the daunting prospect of stepping into the powerhouse shoes of Lizzie Bea, and rises to the challenge. Runnette is already wonderful, hugely expressive and endearing and with the vocal chops to really sell “The Life I Never Led”, and we can only assume she’ll keep stronger as the tour goes on.
When these singing sisters hit their stride, “Sister Act” delivers a feelgood factor that few shows reach, and its finale has you smiling from ear to ear as you walk out. ‘Sister Act’ really is a “joyful noise”, and this heavenly show provides one hell of a good night out.
‘Sister Act’ runs at Leicester’s Curve until Saturday 10th February before continuing on its UK tour.
Performance runtime 2 hours 30 minutes including interval.
Cast Note – the role of Mother Superior will be shared by Lori Haley Fox, Sue Cleaver and Wendi Peters across the tour. Check local venue listings for full cast details.
