BWW Reviews: Revamped-for-Broadway SISTER ACT Gives Holiness A Brand New Look

Sister Act/book by Cheri Steinkellner & Bill Steinkellner/additional material by Douglas Carter Beane/music by Alan Menken/lyrics by Glenn Slater/directed by Jerry Zaks/Pantages Theatre/through July 28 only

Sister Act the Musical started out in 2006 at the Pasadena Playhouse, premiered in London's West End in 2009 and then underwent serious revisions before coming to Broadway in 2011. I remember liking the first mounting in 2006 with many reservations. Since I loved the 1992 film so much, I didn't feel that the stage version was particularly faithful...no pun intended.

Well, with all the changes, this touring production of the Broadway version is tops, a joyful, tuneful, splashy romp that never lets down, with a tremendous cast, stellar direction from Jerry Zaks and soulful choreography from Anthony Van Laast. The participation of Douglas Carter Beane, who penned the screenplay To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar and the Tony nominated play The Little Dog Laughed, has contributed substantially to molding a sleek and unforgettable show.

What is so great about Sister Act is that most supporting cast members get their star turn in the spotlight. The hoods, losers Joey (Todd A. Horman), Pablo (Ernie Pruneda) and TJ (Charles Barksdale) do a deliciously dynamite job of showing their lack of finesse in getting women with "Lady in the Long Black Dress". Cop 'Sweaty' Eddie ( E. Clayton Cornelious) soars with "I Could Be That Guy". Only Velcro could account for his super fast costume change from dreamy sexy dude to on.the.street cop! Incredible! Sister Mary Robert (Lael Van Keuren) does a riveting 11th. hour confession with "The Life I Never Led" and Mary Patrick (Florrie Bagel) and Mary Lazarus (Diane J. Findlay) have standout hilarious bits in "It's Good to Be a Nun" and "Sister Act", as well as in every other scene they're in.

As to the leads, what an amazingly talented group! Ta'Rea Campbell explodes as Deloris Van Cartier with uber guts and charisma, and a voice that soars, literally, to the heavens! Hollis Resnik does a sensational job with Mother Superior. Her "Haven't Got a Prayer" is another strongly engaging 11th. hour song. Richard Pruitt is delightfully drole as Monsignor O'Hara and Kingsley Leggs, cool and despicable as bad boy Curtis Jackson. Under Jerry Zaks glorious and fast-paced direction and performing Anthony Van Laast's dynamically rapid choreographic moves, this entire ensemble rock. Simple yet provocative set pieces, especially the huge statue of Mary Queen of the Angels that changes appearance by Klara Zieglerova and those divine nun habits in white and black sequins by Lez Brotherston sparkle and sparkle until your eyes almost pop out of their sockets.

I already mentioned Douglas Carter Beane's contribution to the book, but cannot praise enough the music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater. "Take Me to Heaven", "Raise Your Voice", "Bless Our Show", "Spread the Love Around" and the aforementioned 11 o'clock numbers are all winners, taking us back to the rock of the 70s with all of its fun-loving, easy listening. Sister Act is one contemporary musical that has flavorful tunes to make you move, groove, sing along and completely...REJOICE! Don't miss it through July 28 only!

http://www.hollywoodpantages.com/

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