Based on 1992's smash hit comedy film by the same name, Sister Act the musical hasn't received any less fame and critical acclaim. Titled as the “Divine Musical Comedy”, the “delightful” music of the show has been composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Glenn Slater. It is written by Cheri Steinkellner in collaboration with Bill Steinkellner.
Production's History
Sister Act the musical premiered in California at the Pasadena Playhouse in October of 2006. After record breaking performance at the theatre, it closed down in December of the same year. It became the highest grossing Pasadena Playhouse show. That production was directed by Peter Schneider and choreographed by Marguerite Derricks. It received a number of positive reviews, with Charles NcNulty of Los Angeles Times stating, “Broadway blockbuster is written all over the musical”. The same production was then taken to Georgia and was staged at the Alliance Theatre, where it ran from January to February in 2007. Once again it managed to attract a lot of audience. Sister Act the musical was taken to London in the June of 2009, where it premiered at West End's London Palladium, following May premiers. It was directed once again by Peter Schneider; however, choreographer for this production was by Anthony Van Laast. The original London production was nominated for four Laurence Olivier Awards. In the summer of 2011, Sister Act the musical was finally taken to Broadway. The show premiered at Broadway Theatre, following March previews. The Broadway version was directed by Jerry Zaks. The story was also re-written by Douglas Carter Beane. The Broadway production also managed to receive multiple Tony Awards nominations. After 561 successful performances and twenty eight previews, the show closed down in August of 2012.
Other Productions
Several other productions were launched following the success of the original ones. It premiered in Germany and was followed by an Australian production. The Italian, French and Netherland productions came after. The musical has been taken all across the globe and in near future the show is going to premiere in Japan, Brazil, Spain, South Korea and Mexico.
Storyline
Sister Act revolves around a lounge singer Deloris Van Carter, who witnesses a murder by her boyfriend who is part of a gang. Her life takes a twist when the police tell her that she has to take a cover in order to stay safe. Her witness program includes her staying at convent as a nun. Forced to leave behind her life of glamour and glitz, she has to lead a new one of soberness and prayer. However, over time she influences her fellow nurses in a way that they find their inner voice and rhythm. Things get hilarious when the glittery clothed sisters start dancing to the music.
Cast for Different Productions
For the original West End and Broadway productions, Patina Miller played the role of ‘Deloris Van Carter'; it was also her Broadway debut. ‘Mother Superior' has been played by Sheila Hancock for West End and Victoria Clark in Broadway. ‘Curtis Shank' the gangster boyfriend is played by Chris Jarman in the West End production and Kinglsey Leggs in Broadway. In the North American Tour coming to Segerstorm Hall, the cast comprises of Ta'rea Campbell, Hollis Resnik, Charles Bardkside, Florrie Bagel and E. Clayton Cornelious.