artaturningpointe: Sister Act Brings Heaven Sent Light

Ovation Productions' "Sister Act" has just concluded their first weekend run in Solaire. Tonight, they resume telling the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a musical diva wannabe who ends up becoming the prime witness for a murder crime. She is deposited into a convent for protection and there she finds excitement brewing in her solace. Everybody knows this musical is based on the Whoopie Goldberg nineties hit movie "Sister Act" beyond the basic story line this is a whole new retelling of the story. Replacing the up-beat glorious music of the movie are original seventies inspired compositions by the legendary Alan Menken. If you saw the movie, you will definitely miss the popular tunes but don't fret because Menken can do no wrong with musical notes and lyrics. It's music and beautiful madness or nothing at all.

Dene' Hill as Deloris Van Cartier

Deloris Van Cartier was played by opera angel Dene' Hill. Up close and personal, Hill is a coy soft-spoken sweetheart but on stage she is gaudy loud. She delivered outstanding notes and she is the type of actress who grows on you with every scene she delivers. While I recognize her talent, I thought that she could have been more brassy only because her physical attributes had to have been matched with a cocky more earthy and brassy flavor to make it whoopie work. Her reformation was weak and her moments good but not great. Mother Superior played by Rebecca Mason-Wygal was the commanding presence of this show. She delivered "I haven't got a prayer" with wit and relatable sensitivity. She was quick to find ways to make relevant nuances that made her endearing. Emma Brock who played Sister Mary Patrick was a joy to watch. It is clear that she enjoyed every minute of her time on stage. The rest of the nunnery all contributed to the cuteness factor. Each one adding to the comedy broth. The other characters were performed as caricatures, the suave man in uniform, the dummy conman, the Spanish comic, the funny chubster and the arrogant villain mastermind. The simplicity of the characters was easy to accept but not quite breathtaking.

Rebecca Mason Wygal as Mother Superior

Brandon Godfrey as Curtis Shank, Jarred Bedgood as TJ, Moses Bernal as Pablo Harry McEnerny as Joey

All things considered, the production was colorful and energetic. Sister Act is a Broadway musical that will not bring tears, nor will it force you to understand complex plots. It won't keep you at the edge of your seats. It definitely will not exercise your brain cells figuring out what comes next. But it is a show that brings to the table something we all need once in awhile. At a time where everyone is simply too serious about everything under the sun, it brings light. While it might not top my list of favorite musicals, if you allow yourself to indulge it will leave you with three heaven sent gifts. It will give you hope that indeed every day is a new beginning. Delores represents the possibility of transformations. It will remind you to listen and pray with your heart and it will bring you answers. Mother Superior had her doubts about her daily challenges as most people do but in the end she realized the true meaning of "thy will be done". Whatever religion you have that has to mean something right?! Lastly the production was an awesome way of reminding people that joy can be found everywhere around you. Pursuit of goals does not erase the happiness that music, dance and people bring. The option to embrace everyone and everything is always there for the taking.Theater never really lets you leave without something good. Take a chance on Sister Act.

You still have a chance to catch this feel good musical. The remaining performance schedules are as follows

July 4,5,6 and & 7 8:00 PM (Tuesday to Friday)

July 8 and 9 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM (Saturday -Sunday)