London Calling with Champagne Charlie Dateline: 23/12/08

Sister Act Defies launches with record breaking ticket sales!

With the world economy in doldrums, doom and gloom everywhere.....it's great to hear that musicals are making a comeback and in a BIG way.

As soon as a press release announced the launch of Sister Act in May 2009 in the UK FIRST then ticket lines were swamped with applications and sales.

Two and a half million dollars were taken within hours of the announcement. That's with no TV, No Whoopi! No big fan fare!

Just that ONE release!

That volume of sales equates to over 25,000 seats already snapped up for the brand new production, which premieres on 2 June next year, with previews from 7 May.

When first announced news spread like wild fire around the globe. Stories appeared everywhere from Thailand to Brazil and from South Africa to Russia. Whoopi Goldberg said: Never in my wildest dreams did I expect Doloris and the girls to get such a resounding "come on in".  The response has been amazing and I'm thrilled Doloris, the nuns, the cast, the producers and the audience are all going to have some fun! 

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be found - a convent!  Disguised as a nun, she quickly finds fans amongst her fellow 'sisters', but makes the wrong impression on the convent's strict Mother Superior.  When she turns her attention to the convent's off-key choir, helping the nuns to find their true voices and breathing new life into the rundown neighbourhood, her cover could be blown for good.  With the gang giving chase, is time running out for Deloris?  Or have they underestimated the power of her new found Sisterhood? 

"SISTER ACT" features a score by Alan Menken, eight-time Oscar winner and the genius behind many of the world famous songs from Disney's movies, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty & The Beast, Aladdin and Enchanted, with lyrics from his long- time collaborator, Glenn Slater.  The book is by the award-winning team, Cheri and Bill Steinkuehler, whose writing credits include the classic television comedy Cheers and the production is directed by Peter Schneider. All hope to be in London for the opening joining yours truly - all being well for those first previews.
Of course yours truly was told directly first so I got right onto Whoopi's Production Company here in the UK charged with bringing the show to life

Chris Harper as ever was tied up in meeting but not so bust that he was able to get on the text and answer some question as and fill in on some of the missing details as casting agents got ready to hold auditions for both the lead and supporting roles

Champagne Charlie
When will Sister Act open in the UK? 

Chris Harper / Sister Act
Previews begin May 7th and the opening night is June 2nd

Champagne Charlie
Why did you decide to open here before the US?

Chris Harper / Sister Act
We think Sister Act is a great musical which will work well in the UK and America. But when the Palladium became available it seemed like the perfect fit so we jumped at the chance to open it here.

Champagne Charlie
Take up on tickets has been phenomenal, why do you think that's been the case? 

Chris Harper / Sister Act
Sister Act is much loved movie and with Whoopi Goldberg co-producing the musical with us I believe that audiences feel they can trust that it's going to be handled well. What could be better than singing nuns? We all want to have a good time and now more than ever and people have responded very well the idea that this musical will fun.  

Champagne Charlie
In what way will the show on stage be to the film?

Chris Harper / Sister Act
Essentially the story of Deloris hiding out in the convent and how she helps the nuns find their voice is the same but the story has been expanded from a 90 minute movies to give extra depth to the characters and of course there a plenty more songs. Alan Menken has written a brilliant score which will raise the roof off the Palladium.

Champagne Charlie
Have you had to update the story?

Chris Harper / Sister Act
Whoopi isn't the best singer in the world so the movie was adapted to fit her vocal range, but for the musical it makes much more sense for the character to be a GREAT singer so that has been changed.  The story is also set in the late 1970's which helps give the music a great disco beat.

Champagne Charlie
When do you start casting?

Chris Harper / Sister Act
We have been searching for perfect Deloris for many months and we are in the middle of final recalls right now. Watch this space!

Champagne Charlie
Will you go for 'names' from TV etc or established musical theatre acts?

Chris Harper / Sister Act
Talent is the most important things so who ever is the best for the part gets it.

Champagne Charlie
What other shows has the company recently produced? 

Chris Harper / Sister Act
We are very happy to have produced 'Hairspray' in London which has gone on to be a great success and will continue its run at the Shaftesbury Theatre. We also produce the record breaking 'High School Musical' and the 'Strictly Come Dancing the Live show' (US version called 'Dancing with the Stars') in Arenas.   

Champagne Charlie
Why do you think the show retains its popular appeal? 

Chris Harper / Sister Act
Sister Act works because the perfect fish out of water story. It also very funny and we think that make for a great musical.

Champagne Charlie
Who are Stage Entertainment, why are they different to other production companies?

Chris Harper / Sister Act
Stage Entertainment owns theatre's and produces shows in Holland, Germany, France, Spain, Russia and Italy. The sheer size of the organisation is incredible and it is lead by Joop van de Ende who is incredibly passionate about theatre. He cares passionately about providing first class entertainment for audiences and has been doing it for many years all over the world.  

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