Sister Act- Atlanta Review

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 2/25/07 at 5:52pm

While in Atlanta this weekeend I was able to attend a performance of "Sister Act" at the Alliance.

After hearing such mixed things from the Pasadena production, I went in not sure of what to expect. I always enjoyed the movie and thought it would work well on stage, and am glad to report that it makes the transition extremely well.

While initially dissapointed that none of the fun gospel tunes from the film were included, Menken's catchy, upbeat original score made them go un-missed. From Deloris's ballad about where she's been and where she's going ("Too Much To Life For") to the Nun's comedic anthem about why they joined the sisterhood ("How I Got The Calling,") there wasn't a dud amongst the bunch. I particularly liked the songs Menken wrote for Deloris and the Nuns together, "Raise Your Voice" and "Sunday Morning Fever."

I overheard someone who saw the show out in California say several changes had been made to the set list, so (for those that saw it there that may be interested in seeing what survived to the Atlanta production,) here were the musical numbers as listed in the Playbill:

Act One

"Light My Way" (Prologue)
"Take Me to Heaven"
"Too Much to Live For"
"A Simple Life"
"How I Got the Calling"
"Too Much to Live For" (Reprise 1)
"Dress to Kill"
"How I Got the Calling" (Reprise)
"Goin' to Hell"
"I Could Be That GUy"
"Raise Your Voice"
"Take Me To Heaven" (Reprise)

Act Two

"Sunday Morning Fever"
"Lady in the Long Black Dress"
"A Simple Life" (Reprise)
"The Life I Never Led"
"Too Much to Live For" (Reprise 2)
"Dress to Kill" (Reprise)
"I Haven't Got a Prayer"
"Light My Way"
"Mirror Ball"

Casting wise, the creative team did a perfect job in using a group of multi-talented performers who remind you enough of the actors from the film to recognize the characters but do well enough on their own to showcase just how special they all are.

Dawnn Lewis did a great job as Deloris. She has a strong voice and dynamic stage presence, with both an endearing ability and uproarious comedic timing. I had heard that she had some vocal issues out in Pasadena, but she hit every note with power and ease and was just a riot. While I am sure they will try and get a big name for a NY transfer (if it happens,) I'd love for Lewis to continue on. She truly embodies the role.

Elizabeth Ward Land, as the Mother Superior, was equally impressive. Her part was written much more well rounded than I expected and she managed to go toe to toe with Lewis, providing an impressive performance in the process.

Standouts abounded throughout the supporting performances as well. Amy K Murray was hilarious as Sister Mary Patrick, as was Audrie Neenan as the aging Sister Mary Lazarus. Particularly fantastic, however, was Beth Malone as Sister Mary Robert, knocking her solo number "The Life I Never Led" out of the ballpark.

The show's set design was minimal but effective, making good use of the space they had and of the theater's fly system. The lighting was also great, beautifully illuminating the stage.

Overall, "Sister Act" proved to be one of the strongest show's I've seen in awhile. It managed to be first rate in quality while truly defining a crowd pleaser. I hope a New York transfer happens soon and that the show finds as much success on Broadway as it's had thus far.

[MrBundles]

Posted: 2/25/07 at 8:08pm

I'm glad "Sister Act" and "Fabulous, Baby" are gone.

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 2/25/07 at 9:50pm

bump.

[LuPonatic]

Posted: 2/25/07 at 10:20pm

Anyone know about any demo recordings out there from this show, even one song? I'm dying to hear what some of this show sounds like. I absolutely loved the movie, and am anxiously awaiting a broadway transfer!

[ecmjamsit]

Posted: 2/26/07 at 1:16am

Song by Beth Malone can be seen and heard here

http://www.atlantaandcompany.com/article.aspx?storyid=90590

[MrBundles]

Posted: 2/26/07 at 1:39am

i love "take me to heaven"

...and i LOVE Beth singing in a kitchen. brilliant. thanks for posting the link.

Updated On: 2/26/07 at 01:39 AM

[eatlasagna]

Posted: 2/26/07 at 4:04am

didn't really care for Fabulous, Baby... but i actually liked the song Sister Act.... why does everyone not like it so much?

and i agree... having delores singing a song that's not as good as mary robert's big number (which Beth Malone owns!) is not a good thing...