Sister Act First Preview- Page 6

[adamgreer]

Posted: 3/28/11 at 8:17am

Sadly, I think this show is going to get lost between H2$ and Book of Mormon. It sound far too mediocre to be a huge hit.

It's a better production than H2$. And who said it was mediocre? Most people who've seen it seemed to enjoy it quite a bit.

[jv92]

Posted: 3/28/11 at 8:23am

Yeah, I don't get the mediocrity comment either. It's not high art, but it's exceptionally well done musical comedy. Granted, I'm sure a majority of the critics will dislike it, but I haven't left a show feeling as great as I did after Sister Act in a long time.

[ljay889]

Posted: 3/28/11 at 12:15pm

but I haven't left a show feeling as great as I did after Sister Act in a long time.

That was exactly true for me too. I liked MORMON, but I left SISTER ACT on cloud nine.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 3/28/11 at 12:21pm

I guess I meant mediocre in terms of no high profile buzz like "Book" and no star billing like "H2$". I think this musical will do ok, but with mixed reviews I just think it is bad timing.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 3/28/11 at 1:14pm

I get what you mean, Betty, but I think it's too soon to tell. The show has had 3 previews, and based on Saturday's preview audience, there's going to be really strong word of mouth. I have a feeling the audiences will build as the show continues to run.

The show accomplishes what Catch Me tried so hard to do- be a fun, witty musical comedy.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 3/28/11 at 1:20pm

I don't think I'd call SISTER ACT witty but its definitely a really fun time. I for sure think it will be a word of mouth hit and is going to do especially well with group sales. The group sales incentive (and this could be a big sale with Catholic groups) is incidentally the reason behind why some of the material from London was changed. Some apparently found offense with "How I Heard the Calling" which is pretty irreverent.

[princessem721]

Posted: 3/28/11 at 3:13pm

i think i'm going to get to go next week! i can't wait to see what all the hype is about, although with vicki clarke and the sisters mary, i have no doubt that i'll be pleased :)

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 3/28/11 at 3:59pm

Also, the African American community is very supportive of theatre with African American leads. I am sure many groups will be in attendance from churches and social clubs.

Adam, you're right, it is too soon to tell. Especially if Patina gets raves.

[Q]

Posted: 3/28/11 at 4:22pm

We saw this when it premiered back in the fall of 2006, and frankly thought it was dreadful. It's always surprised me that it has continued on; although, I understand it's substantially different now. I wonder how much it really changed.

[ljay889]

Posted: 3/28/11 at 4:24pm

understand it's substantially different now. I wonder how much it really changed.

The book has been completely rewritten since the American premiere and London production.

[uncageg]

Posted: 3/28/11 at 4:35pm

Seeing it the week after next.

[Wildcard]

Posted: 3/28/11 at 5:01pm

I loved the show, having not known much about the songs prior to seeing it. I agree with comments that Eddie's songs could be cut (even though the costume change was cute). They do not really further the plot along and are sort of unimportant in the scheme of things. The love angle also seems forced.

While I liked Sister Mary Roberts' song, I think the belting 11 o'clock solo should be given to Deloris instead. She is the star of the show and the one we want to care about. Patina and Victoria give wonderful performances though I sadly feel that Victoria gets lost in the ensemble since it's not a showy role.

Oh, and I loved the "disco ball" towards the end of the show.

[TheLadyoftheWood]

Posted: 3/28/11 at 6:43pm

Although I love the music from this show, I have always wondered why Menken decided to give Sister Mary Roberts to solo songs (with only her singing) and give Deloris (The LEAD!) one solo song? That to me makes no sense. I know Sister Mary Roberts needs a song for character development but why does she deserve The Life I Never Led and its Reprise in the spotlight while Deloris only gets Sister Act. Also I am not very familiar with the rules and regulations, but is being above the title the only prerequisite for being considered a lead in a Broadway show? I could have sworn there was some kind of rule about having a solo song or something? Please correct me if I am wrong. If my memory serves me well, a couple of years ago a show wanted an actor to be considered in the leading category but was shot down because he did not have a solo song. I may be terribly off but then again I don't claim to be the know all and end all when it comes to Broadway.

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 3/28/11 at 6:49pm

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.

Updated On: 3/28/11 at 06:49 PM

[TheLadyoftheWood]

Posted: 3/28/11 at 7:06pm

Sorry "Sister Mary Robert."

And maybe I just have the wrong outlook on what a solo song is. I always thought that a solo song was sung by one character with no back-up or chorus singing. Like "Rose's Turn," or "Moments in the Woods." Maybe it is the fact that I love Patina and think she has an amazing voice that I just wish she had more solo, solo songs. Can't wait to see this show and make a judgment of it myself and stop forming it off of the London Cast Recording and random videos.

[gypsy4]

Posted: 3/28/11 at 8:02pm

I'm very glad to hear that the show is off to a great start on Broadway I bought the OLRC last year and fell in love with Menken's score right away it had been a long time since I had heard such a fun uplifting entertaining score and I have to say it's up there as one of his best. I haven't been able to get enough of it but I do come guilty by saying Menken is my favorite composer I could listen to Fabulous Baby non-stop. From listening to the recording I would be very surprised if Patina didn't get a nom for best Actress if not win it. here's to hope also for a best Musical Nom and I guess i'm one of the few that enjoys "I could be that Guy".

[gypsy4]

Posted: 3/28/11 at 8:07pm

Just a Random note but does anyone else think there could be a Film Remake in the near future?

[goldenboy]

Posted: 3/30/11 at 1:29am

Oh gosh I hope not!
I still maintain why take a great fun film and turn it
into a mediocre musical!

The God of Musicals would be turning in the grave if this became a movie musical.

[minicko88]

Posted: 3/30/11 at 2:11am

I am planning on seeing this in May, but I have two questions for all of you. I loved the movie, but I am worried that it will not live up to the movie. Noone can play Mary Patrick like Kathy Najimy. So, does the show live up to the movie and how is Mary Patrick's role?

[ljay889]

Posted: 3/30/11 at 2:12am

The roles of Mary Robert, Patrick, and Lazarus have been beefed up for the musical. Sarah Bolt plays Mary Patrick in the Najimy mold, and she is just fantastic.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 3/30/11 at 2:37am

I saw the show tonight/last night. It's a mindless couple of really fun hours in the theatre.

Any info on why Deloris' boyfriend was changed from a stereotypical Italian mobster to a stereotypical black mobster?

[jamiekennywicked]

Posted: 3/30/11 at 3:19am

Is there a scene in place of Sacred Mass?

[RippedMan]

Posted: 3/30/11 at 12:51pm

I'm sitting in Row E in the rear Mezz on the side. Is this going to be an awful seat?

[allyk]

Posted: 3/30/11 at 1:14pm

Christina DeCicco and Rashidra Scott will be singing in the "At This Performance" concert on Sunday night!
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/149322-Understudies-from-Book-of-Mormon-Anything-Goes-Sister-Act-Spider-Man-to-Stand-in-the-Spotlight
Is anyone else planning on going? I just bought my ticket.

[JamieHT]

Posted: 3/30/11 at 1:23pm

If they are considering reinstating How I Got the Calling in the place of It's Good To Be A Nun, how long in theory would it take for them to rehearse it and it actually appear in the show?!