First of all, the character is "Sister Mary Robert," not "Sister Mary Roberts."
Second of all, Deloris has
several of her own numbers. "Take Me To Heaven" is sung by her, with Michelle and Tina only providing background vocals. The same applies for "Fabulous, Baby!" In the second act, she also has the "Fabulous, Baby!" reprise, where she is again singing lead with background support, and "Sister Act," as well as prominent features throughout multiple ensemble numbers. There is more than enough material to establish her as the leading character, even though there is no such "rule" when it comes to Tony consideration.
For the record, Mary Robert has one solo number, "The Life I Never Led" (the reprise lasts around a minute long, if that.) Contrary to what people have said here, it isn't really in the eleven o'clock spot in the show, considering Deloris follows it with two more big numbers of her own before the chase sequence that leads into the finale.
Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
Updated On: 3/28/11 at 06:49 PM