Review: Cast of CAP's SISTER ACT was "Fabulous, Baby," the Technology Definitely Was Not

Bruce Grossman has been the owner and artistic director of the Cultural Arts Playhouse over the past 20 years. Originally founded in 1995, the Cultural Arts Playhouse, or CAP, has housed over 500 productions, established a highly successful acting school for Long Island Youth and formed a Youth Theater program. Upon entering the CAP's theater entrance, you immediately feel the overwhelming sensation of love for the theater, which Grossman clearly has established with the youth of Long Island. From the reviews of productions that wallpaper the lobby to the adorned framed posters of past productions, to its notable alumni including Jamie Lynn-Sigler and Brian D'Addario, CAP has certainly established itself as a hub for theater.

Recently, CAP put on a production of Sister Act in April. Based on the classic 1992 comedy starring the legendary Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act tells the story of lounge singer Delores Van Cartier who is on the run from her gangster boyfriend after witnessing a hit. Lt. Eddie Souther, an old friend of Deloris, places her into the witness protection program and sends her to what he assumes is the safest place on Earth...a convent. While at the convent, Delores assumes the identity of choir teaching nun Sister Mary Clarence and hilarity ensues.

Grossman assembled a top-notch cast for this production at CAP. Miya Mayo Bass portrayed Deloris Van Cartier. Deloris sings the following lyric in "Fabulous, Baby!" (one of the show's many memorable songs created by the genius that is Alan Menken), "One day you'll beg for my autograph!" Folks, the lyric says it all. This girl is a STAR!!!! Curtis, Delores's gangster boyfriend was played to perfection by Mark Weekes. Robins Prophete as Lt. Eddie Souther echoed the majesty of Norm Lewis's voice. Jenn Demopoulos as Sister Mary Lazarus, & Bertrand Nathanael Jean, Jared Grossman, and Niko Touros as Curtis's henchman were comedy GOLD.

While the production featured a first rate cast, the production itself suffered from many technical difficulties. The show began with raspy microphones that made some of the leads sound like they were being held under water. Halfway through Act I, the mic volumes were finally bumped up. The theater's orchestra is placed high in the rafters above the stage and It was evident that the conductor had issues watching the production. During Act I, many of the transitions did not receive music throughout the scene change. Also, during the Act I finale, "Raise Your Voice", the piano music began way before Sister Mary Lazarus sat down at the piano to "play". There were also many issues regarding lighting and projection including numerous missed spotlight cues, resulting with the actor having to walk into the light, as was the case with both Delores and Mother Superior. Numerous times during the show's production, the projector would flash HDMI and an ad explaining how you can save up to 70% light power. During Intermission, the projector issue was resolved thanks to Mr. Grossman. There were times where the production felt like it really didn't have a stage manager. There was a moment in Act I where poor Mother Superior's habit fell off of her head. No one helped her with her habit off stage, that she had to perform the whole next scene without a habit, which is very un-nun like. During the scene change, the production should have been halted while the orchestra played transitional music until Mother Superior was prepared once again to grace the stage in full costume.

Overall, the cast saved the show! CAP has an interesting season coming up. Originally having to put ona production of Anything Goes, Grossman decided to put on Sondheim's Into the Woods in its place. That production ran from May 20 - June 11. Currently, CAP is presenting Bernstein and Sondheim's West Side Story until July 23. From July 28 - August 20, CAP will present Marvin Hamlisch's Pulitzer Prize Winning A Chorus Line. I have numerous colleagues that purchase season passes for CAP and have provided me with favorable review for CAP's recent productions of Into the Woods and West Side Story.

The technical difficulties observed while watching Sister Act, I believe, was just an oversight. Grossman, his cast & crew go out of their way to make sure you have a great theater experience. I would definitely recommend trying to catch one of the other productions of the upcoming season; the intimate theater setting will accommodate these intimate shows. You can buy tickets for the upcoming shows at CAP here: https://cap.booktix.com/

Make sure you take note of the $35 dinner inclusive option. It's worth checking out!