BWW Reviews: Inspirational SISTER ACT at the Fabulous Fox Theatre

Based on the hit 1992 of the same name, the musical version of Sister Act just might be more entertaining in a lot of ways. Since the star of the film, the multi-talented Whoopi Goldberg, is producing it as well, that might explain why it has a certain darkness around The Edges. In any event, the current production playing the Fox Theatre (though December 1, 2013) is an inspirational delight.

The basic plot is pretty much with the same, Deloris Van Cartier, aspiring singer, breaks away from her overbearing boss, Curtis, just in time to see him execute one of his crew who was suspected of being a police informant. Enter policeman Eddie Souther, alias "sweaty Eddie", a former schoolmate, who decides to sequester Deloris in a convent. She's slow to take on their "habits", however, and a night time trip to a bar with a couple of the sisters lands her in trouble with the Mother Superior. However, the punishment she dishes out, working with their woeful choir, ends up being her salvation.

Ta'rea Cambell is on fire as Deloris, constantly in motion and laying down a verbal barrage of humorous asides. Campbell also does a terrific job belting out her tunes. Melvin Abston is sharp as the evil Curtis, and he gets a chance to shine vocally on the darkly tinged number "When I Find My Baby", which lists a litany of ways in which he plans to harm Deloris once he's able to find her. Hollis Resnik also does exceptional work as the persnickety Mother Superior, and she sum up her feelings during "Here Within These Walls". Chester Gregory charms as Eddie Souther, and he gets a wonderful number, "I Could Be That Guy", to express the feelings he holds for Deloris. Standout among the nuns includes: the deadpan Sister Mary Lazarus (Diane J. Findlay), the vivacious Sister Mary Patrick (Florrie Bagel), and the shy and reserved young apostolic Sister Mary Robert (Ashley Moniz).

The direction by Jerry Zaks manages to walk a fine line between some of the darker and lighter shades of comedy that are present. The scenic design by Klara Zieglerova makes great use of various backdrops to set each scene. Choreograhpher Anthony Van Laast does a marvelous job with this talented cast. The score by Alan Menken is memorable and catchy (lyrics by Glenn Slater), and the book (Cheri & Bill Steinkellner with additional material by Douglas Carter Beane) is genuinely amusing.

Don't miss the musical version of Sister Act, now playing at the Fabulous Fox through December 1, 2013.