Brisbane review - Sister Act: entertainment of the highest calibre
By David Wilson
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Glenn Slater
Book by Cheri & Bill Steinkellner
Additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane
Based on the motion picture written by Joseph Howard
Now playing till 5 March 2025 at Lyric Theatre QPAC
Tickets from $69.90
Photo by David Boud
Sister Act is the global smash hit musical sent from above that is pure joy!
Sister Act is based on the beloved 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg and tells the story of a convent in dire need of financial support, a performer in desperate need for protection from a gangster, and the music, mishaps and magic that happens when these two worlds collide. Set against a backdrop of 1970’s Philadelphia, combining equal parts Motown and disco, resulting in 100% soul, Sister Act is above all an uplifting and joyous story of acceptance and tolerance and love of other people.
The loud and appreciative opening night audience was treated to entertainment of the highest calibre. Fans of the hit movie will be overjoyed to learn that the stage production does more than simply reproduce the look and feel of the movie - it genuinely captures the joyous and uplifting qualities of the story and takes it to another level. The excellent orchestra combined with dazzling lighting, costuming and staging to create the perfect platform for the amazing cast to shine.
Casey Donovan was perfectly cast, and simply stunning as the feisty, strong-willed, larger than life Deloris Van Cartier. It is incredible to think that this is Donovan’s first lead role, given her phenomenal talent. Every aspect of Donovan’s performance was as if it was made for this role. It would be impossible not to mention her incredible vocal performance which was paired with an immense stage presence, resulting in a flawless performance. Outstanding.
While Sister Act provided the perfect platform to showcase Donovan’s unique gifts, and the entire cast delivered a tight, high energy, dynamic performance, there were a number of performances worthy of special mention.
The prolific Genevieve Lemon was magnificent as Mother Superior. Her comedic timing and delivery (with a little ad lib thrown in for good measure) were outstanding, and her moments sharing the stage with Donovan were the highlights of the show.
Rhonda Burchmore was as good as ever as Sister Mary Lazarus, the rapping choir mistress! Burchmore’s wealth of experience was well showcased in this role, with her excellent sense of timing, both comedic and musical, on show throughout.
Raphael Wong was wonderful as ‘Steady’ Eddie Souther, the sweet and nervous policeman who dreams of being confident and brave, with a secret crush on Deloris. Wong was a crowd favourite, with a dynamic performance that was full of gusto. Wong’s performance of “I Could Be That Guy” was a showstopper!
Special mention must go to Sophie Montague who made her professional theatre debut as Sister Mary Robert, the young postulant nun. Montague was outstanding, perfectly capturing the character’s journey from being timid and quiet until she eventually finds her voice - and what a voice! A fabulous performance.
By any measure, the opening night performance of Sister Act was absolutely first class. The orchestra was magnificent, the stage a spectacle, the set, lighting and costumes all combined brilliantly, and the cast were brilliant.
I thoroughly enjoyed Sister Act and I encourage you to see it.
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