BWW Reviews: SISTER ACT Shines in DFW

Growing up, Sister Act was a staple for night time movie viewings or a lazy day. I loved everything about the movie, from the singing to Whoopi Goldberg herself. When I found out one of my favorite movies was being made into a musical, I was excited. So far, the movies-turned-musicals I had seen didn't disappoint; from Catch Me if You Can to The Newsies I loved them, and hoped Sister Act wouldn't be any different.

Sister Act is a musical comedy that has a very close adaptation to the movie, with the exception of a few changes- setting, character personalities, and book- but nothing that takes away from the central plot. The show takes place in the late 1970's Philadelphia (as opposed to the movies 1990's San Francisco) and is about Deloris Van Cartier in the ride of her life when she witnesses her mobster boyfriend murder someone outside of his club. When Ms. Van Cartier goes to the police, they hide the vivacious performer in gaudy outfits at the local run-down convent.

When I found out the divine musical comedy was headed to the DFW area, I jumped on the chance to see it; buying tickets as a mother's day present for my own mom. To be honest, I went in with pretty high expectations.

All of which we met and in some cases exceeded.

The show is directed by Jerry Zaks and runs smoothly; it moves easily through each scene, each placement precise. Along with Zaks' directions, book writers Cheri and Bill Steinkellner and Douglas Carter Beane help to embody the spirit of the movie, but add zingers to give it a life of its own. Those zingers are mostly Bible allusions that border on inappropriate, but make the crowd roar with laughter in their seats. There are some moments I found rather touching in second act thanks to Sister Mary Robert (Angie Smith in Wednesday night's performance, normally played by Lael Van Keuren), but all in all the show is high comedy sure to lift the spirits.

The late 70's/early 80's time set is very prevalent in the choreography and costumes. Choreographer Anthony Van Laast used disco-type moves to back up music by award-winner Alan Menken and Glenn Slater. The velvet clothes and large hair done by Lez Brotherston and David BrIan Brown also helped to set the time.

But the true thing that sets the scene are the actors themselves. "The thing about this show is that it's a great bunch of actors. Everyone is a great singer-a great actor, that's something you don't normally get in a production," E. Clayton Cornelious said in a phone interview. The show stars Ta'rea Campbell as Deloris Van Cartier, who shines brightly despite her dull habit. From the opening note of the opening "Take Me to Heaven," we are captivated by her voice. The Deloris in the movie is sarcastic and moody, but Campbell helps to put a clueless spin on the singer. Her loud, obnoxious, clueless spin on the character is reminiscent of that mean girl we all knew in high school. Campbell's voice is soulful and loud; the girl can belt a tune, during the second act's "Bless Our Show" I had trouble deciding if it was Campbell singing or if Jennifer Hudson came and took over. Her songs are either soulful or fun. Her fun, 'got the audience dancing in their seats' songs include "Take Me to Heaven," "Fabulous, Baby," and "Raise Your Voice." Her soulful song included "Sister Act."

In the movie, Mother Superior was uptight; Hollis Resnik takes that and adds some snark to become the perfect foil character. Resnik is the picture of composed and modest in "Here Within these Walls," until she belts it out in the endearing yet hilarious "Haven't Got a Prayer."

Deloris's mobster boyfriend Curtis Jackson is played by Kingsley Leggs, who originated the role on Broadway. After reading that he was on the Broadway version, I'm guessing that the stiff, unemotional acting was a stylistic choice. In act one, Leggs' solo "When I Find My Baby" was awkward, but the reprise in act two was was more loose and resembled a Motown feel.

Jackson's henchmen, played by Todd Horman, Ernie Pruneda, and Charles Barksdale, offer a comic relief to the mob boss' dangerous ways. When the three goons set out to get Deloris from the convent, they led the audience in laughter in "Lady in the Long Black Dress," when they show off their best moves to get the ladies.

The character of Eddie Souther was changed from the movie version. The musical's Eddie, is an awkward person from Deloris' past that turns out to be a love interest, his nickname in high school was "Sweaty Eddie"; a far cry from the movie's put together, intimidating detective. "On stage, we had to embellish the character," Cornelious said (who alough was in New York for the performance I went to see and instead understudy Dashaun Young stepped in). "I think Eddie was cleverly rewritten and am very fortunate to get a bigger role." Eddie wants to tell Deloris that "I Could Be That Guy."

The subplot of Deloris helping the nun's choir was kept in the musical, although was deterred for a moment when the sisters sang to Deloris "It's Good to Be a Nun." The song was hilarious and ironic since all the things the nuns enjoyed were things Deloris found unbearable- getting up at four in the morning and hours of solitude.

Speaking of the nuns, quiet Sister Robert (Angie Smith) really proved her self when she sang her soulful ballad "The Life I Never Led." It may be because I, myself, tend to be a shy and timid person, but her song really struck a chord with me. She decided she wasn't going to hide away because she was scared, but because that was what she wanted to do with her life. Smith had the house in cheers by the end note.

Along with Angie Smith, Diane J Findlay (Sister Mary Lazarus) fully embodies the character. Everything from her facial expressions to her body language reminded me of the character from the movie played by Kathy Najimy.

The show was in rehearsal for about a month before having tech in Chattanooga then heading off on tour.

Sister Act is at Music Hall through June 16, then goes to Fort Worth's Bass hall the 18th-23rd. Get your tickets now, you won't be disappointed. To order tickets: www.ticketmaster.com, www.dallassummermusicals.org or www.basshall.com.

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