Sister Act:The Musical Reviews

[camach1]

Posted: 10/26/06 at 6:39pm

Has anyone had a chance to see this show yet if so can u post a review? It started on October 24 and is playing at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena,Ca. Im curious as to how it is.

[purpleprince101]

Posted: 10/26/06 at 7:19pm

i hope its good.... i want to see it even if it is horrible

[MrMidwest]

Posted: 10/26/06 at 7:22pm

Several people will probably give their thoughts on it after they see it in the next few days.

[phantomCA26]

Posted: 10/26/06 at 7:33pm

Found some great center orchestra last minute seats for tonight. I'll post my thoughts tonight. Can't wait. Heard from the box office that non of the songs from the film are in the show. But she wasn't totally sure cause she hadn't see the movie in years.

[lite2shine]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 1:26am

May I offer what I thought about the show?

It was FUN! Not perfect (yet) but I enjoyed it.

As the 2nd preview, I was surprised that the show was very solid (only a few technical mishaps (missing spotlight, delayed soundboard). I'm a fan of the original movie, and the production succeeded in transferring the entertainment aspect well. I think the strongest part is the cast. Dawnn Lewis as Deloris Van Cartier is a triple threat (however, disguised as a nun, I detected a hint of Whoopi) and pleasure to see her on the stage. Harrison White (Curtis Shanks) has a groove, and his soldiers, Melvin Abston (TJ) , Danny Stiles (Bones) and Dan Domenech (Diero) exhibited unique personalities with beautiful harmony. Amy K. Murray and Audrie Neenan (Sisters Mary Patrick, Mary Lazarus respectively) contributed nice comedy touch.

There are 17 (!) songs (four of them reprised) and with 11 scenes in Act 1 and 10 scenes in Act 2, it pushed the show nearly three hour (including intermission) long, and I think it can be tighten by cutting (or shortening) some solo songs. Sgt Eddie (Sweaty Eddie), Mother Superior, Sister Mary Robert and of course Deloris get a solo number(s), and except Sgt Eddie's smooth jazzy number, it's all belt-out songs (imagine 11th hour song sang one after another in Act 2). Are these really necessary? If so, do they have to be at full length? Especially Sister Mary Robert's song (sang by Beth Malone) seems to be written so that it can showcase her belty voice. The way it ended you would think maybe Sister Mary Robert was the lead role.

As you noticed, I wasn't too impressed with solo numbers, but I loved the numbers written for the choir and other big number scenes. Especially, in the beginning, Deloris sings "Take Me To Heaven" at a lounge, and later the same song is sang by the choir at a mass (Act 1 finale). Each nun explains "How I got the Calling" is cute and very musical number like. Act 2 opener, "Sunday Morning Fever" is fun and spirited but there is a piece that reminds you of "The Wedding Singer" and I wish they can rewrite it. Speaking of rewrite, "Sister Act," which is used when Deloris and Mother Superior confronted each other, lacked extra spark and sounded rather dull, IMO.

So I have a mixed feeling about Alan Menken's score (I'm a fan of his music). It's fun and suited for the show but sometimes it sounds too "pop" and "discotic" and I felt like I was listening to a soundtrack music. The set (David Potts) was simple but effective.

The only casting quibble is Elisabeth Ward Land who played Mother Superior. I'm not saying she was miscast. But her "acting choice" may be a problem. I saw her in A Little Night Music (Charlotte) and while she was excellent as Charlotte, imagine that Charlotte divorced Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm and took a vow and became Superior Mother. That's right, she didn't look like she was a woman of faith but rather looked just a bitter woman.

I nitpicked, but all in all I enjoyed the show and commend on Pasadena Playhouse to have created a fun comedy musical. I'm sure this will be a big hit for them.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 1:29am

Can you see this being done on Broadway?

[lite2shine]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 1:33am

MB, yes, it really needs to be tighten (and hope they rewrite "Sister Act" number) but the show is solid. I have seen many world premiere musicals on west coast and this one is a sure thing. I dare say it's better than "The Wiz" in La Jolla. And I enjoyed more than Curtains (Ahmanson).
Updated On: 10/27/06 at 01:33 AM

[phantomCA26]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 3:44am

Well, I must say that Sister Act is the most fun I have had at the theater in a long time. I wanted to jump out of my seat and join the sisters onstage. It was so much fun! One of those feel-good shows, if you will. The show is absolutely hysterical once it shifts to the scenes at the convent. I especially loved Sister Mary Patrick and Sister Mary Lazarus. I had the pleasure of meeting the actress who plays Mary Patrick and Alan Menken. Both were very kind and spent quite some time talking with us. The show apparently is selling extremely well and may extend it's LA engagement. In addition, it's a for sure thing the show is headed to the Great White Way.
Updated On: 10/27/06 at 03:44 AM

[StageManager2]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 4:40am

Do they include any of the songs from the movie ("Hail Holy Queen," "My God," "I Will Follow Him")? Those were the highlights (for me) in the movie.

Updated On: 10/27/06 at 04:40 AM

[Fiction Writer]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 5:05am

I will follow him
Where he may go...

We're still thinking about getting tickets. I love seeing premier shows (even if they're bad, ala Lestat).

It's either Sister Act: The Musical or the Dixie Chicks.

[lite2shine]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 9:39am

None of the numbers from the movie is in the show.

Fiction Writer, Lestat didn't have any soul, Sister Act has tons of souls and big heart.

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 10:12am

The Pasadena Playhouse website says there's a student discount, but you have to call to find out the prices. Anyone know?

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 1:06pm

I am making a trip to Atlanta in February specifically to see this show.

I loved the movie, and am very happy to hear such positive buzz about it.

[StageManager2]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 1:15pm

"None of the numbers from the movie is in the show."

Aw schucks! Then I really have no interest in seeing this.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 1:20pm

StageManager2 - I *HOPE* you are being sarcastic...

[lite2shine]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 1:47pm

StageManager, then it's your loss. While the scores are not perfect, it's a fun comedy musical which I haven't seen for a while. "Take Me To Heaven" is a good catchy song.

[StageManager2]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 2:03pm

Geez, people! Do you really think I'm THAT close-minded?

CapnHook: "Sarcasm" is my middle name.

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 10/27/06 at 2:05pm

That's a ridiculous middle name.

I pity you. And your tribe.

[CityofAngels]

Posted: 11/1/06 at 4:15pm

Saw the show last night. A few thoughts:

Leading role played by Dawnn Lewis needs to be recast with someone who can play the "comedy" of the show. Also, she goes into her head voice at times during her songs and it sounds weird. But, she has a great voice.

Mother Superior, Sister Mary Robert and Sister Mary Patrick. (Elizabeth Ward Land,Beth Malone,Amy K. Murray)-All Fantastic!

Music is great. The book is funny.

The show seems to go on a little too long though. I felt like I WANTED it to end.

It was a "nice" night at the theater- not "Great". Feels like an "Off-broadway" production more than "Broadway" one.

[MrMidwest]

Posted: 11/1/06 at 5:50pm

Now I'm really confused. Some people seem to be saying Dawnn Lewis is good at the comedy bits and doesn't have such a good voice and some people are saying the opposite.

Fredi Walker (who was suggested a long time ago) or Tisha Campbell would probably be great in the role if she has to be replaced.

[eatlasagna]

Posted: 11/1/06 at 11:04pm

i guess that's why we all have opinions, huh? haha... sorry for being sarcastic....

but i personally liked her voice (except when she couldn't quite hit the high notes) and thought her acting was the best part